DI Academy welcomes new chef

Latasha Smith has joined Daniel Island Academy, an early childhood development center, as chef. Smith will create all student menus with a focus on a healthy, creative and safe eating and learning environment for all children. She will also oversee the sourcing and purchasing of all food and beverages with an emphasis on organic and locally grown items.

In addition to all food preparation and kitchen management responsibilities, Smith will help facilitate healthy eating awareness and education within all classrooms while also expanding the school gardening program, which was named a SC Farm to Preschool Program in 2016. Since 2005 many fruits, herbs and vegetables have been planted, nurtured, harvested, cooked and eaten at the school’s campus on Daniel Island. Building upon her years of experience at Somerby of Mount Pleasant, Smith will keep this natural approach to food as a top priority.

“Chef Smith is a wonderful addition to our talented team of creative educators. Her organizational background and passion for cooking will have a big impact on our students. We are excited to explore her new menu ideas,” said School Director Kerry Nowosielski.

According to a press release, Chef Smith discovered her love for cooking at an early age. Around the age of 10, she used to help her grandmother cook dinner and by age 12, she was able to prepare meals on her own. For Smith, running a successful kitchen is all about teamwork, having a system in place and focusing on what’s important. Her goal for Daniel Island Academy is to create meals that fit the taste and dietary needs of the children, preparing meals they would want to eat.

“For me, real cooking is more about following your heart than following recipes,” shared Chef Smith.