ABOUT TASTE OF ST. CROIX
Taste of St. Croix is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that promotes and showcases the talent and potential of St. Croix’s hospitality industry through fostering partnerships, sponsoring training and industry events, and building public awareness of the critical role that the service-industry fills in improving the socio-economic future of St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Taste of St. Croix has donated more than $400,000 to community programs and local organizations since its inception.
In addition, Taste of St. Croix’s – 365 Program comprises a year-round calendar of projects to support and promote the island’s hospitality industry. Projects include:
Office of the Governor & Taste of St. Croix Inc. Covid-19 Cares Grant Program – $250 Grants ($150 shopping credit and $100 farmers coupons) are currently been awarded to Restaurants and Caterers on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, just for applying and are currently in business.
Covid-19 Thermometer Distribution Program – Distribution of over fifty (50) handheld touchless thermometers to Restaurants and Caterers on the island of St. Croix. Beginning in May of 2020, just weeks after the Governor of the USVI proclaimed the COVID-19 State of Emergency; Taste of St. Croix Inc. began a FREE THERMOMETER distribution program…providing thermometers to Restaurants, Caterers, and Farmers on St. Croix at NO CHARGE.
Reef Responsible – Operated in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy and its partners, Reef Responsible coordinates workshops to promote sustainable fishing practices
St. Croix Culinary Juniors – Cultivating future generations of culinary talent, St. Croix Culinary Juniors provides learning opportunities and hands-on experience for island youth interested in pursuing careers in the culinary arts.
Farm–to–Table – In partnership with the V.I. Department of Agriculture, Taste of St. Croix supports and builds the network between restaurants and St. Croix’s local farms. From Farmers Markets that feature locally sourced produce to vouchers for participating restaurants to use with local farms, Taste supports the hospitality industry from Farm-to-Table.
Farmer’s Coupon Program – To support restaurants and strengthen relationships between local farmers and our chefs, the Taste & the VI Department of Agriculture provides vouchers to all of our Taste participants that are redeemable at the farms. This program provides incentives to the restaurants to use locally grown ingredientsan economic and healthy benefit for both parties and the public.
Youth Hospitality Training Program – Working with the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center Culinary Program, Taste recognizes the importance of youth training and assists students in finding summer internships, including sending students to work at Facebook’s Corporate Headquarters
Social Media & Marketing – Taste offers seminars to teach restaurants and business about the ever-changing social media and marketing world. What trends work, low cost, and effective ways to market your business.
ServSafe Certification Course – Taste of St. Croix coordinates ServSafe, the National Restaurant Association’s restaurant food safety program. This was the first time this class was made available on St. Croix, but standard practice for more kitchen staff throughout the United States.
