Nearly 200 students in culinary arts courses at Massapequa High School recently earned food handler certifications. The national accreditation from the Always Food Safe Company makes students more marketable for jobs in the food service industry.

Students in College Art of Baking, College Food and Nutrition and Cooking for Today completed the industry certification. Participants completed a one-week online program, that included readings and instructional videos before demonstrating their understanding by answering questions. They received certificates of completion.

Teachers Courtney Puricelli and Christina Sabbiondo said that the food handler certification has been an option for students for the past three years, but this was their first time having all culinary arts students take part in it. The requirements of the certification align with the food safety and preparation skills they are already learning in their Family and Consumer Sciences classes.