A dozen students from Southern University turned a dream into reality by participating in the Taste of the NFL event during Super Bowl LIX, held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the National WWII Museum. This exclusive culinary celebration brought together top chefs, retired and current professional athletes, and food enthusiasts for a unique dining experience that championed food security and healthy eating.
The students were members of various programs, including the Southern University chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences, the Dietetic Internship Program, and the 1890 Center of Excellence. Their involvement allowed them to support the event and provided hands-on experience that would benefit their future careers.
Gaining Real-World Experience
As hosts for the event, the MANRRS and COE students diligently worked with Ticketmaster to ensure an efficient entry process for guests, directed notable attendees, and assisted chefs and vendors at culinary stations. Additionally, the Dietetic Interns collaborated with renowned chefs, focusing on meal preparation, plating, logistics, and food safety monitoring. This direct engagement offered them a first-hand look at the precision and teamwork required in high-pressure culinary environments.
“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” expressed one intern. “Being able to work side by side with celebrity chefs and see the level of precision and teamwork required at an event like this was both inspiring and educational.”
Alexis Motley, director of the SU Dietetic Internship Program, highlighted the significance of the opportunity, stating, “The Taste of the NFL was not only a premier food event but also a platform that promoted food security and healthy eating. For Southern University’s Dietetic Interns, it was more than just an internship opportunity—it was the fulfillment of a dream, reaffirming their passion for food service and nutrition.” She emphasized that this experience marked a milestone in their journey to becoming leaders in dietetics.
The Southern University Ag Center donated 100 pounds of frozen ground SUN beef and 15 pounds of short ribs. The participating chefs transformed the meat into Chili Cheeseburgers and West Indies Short Ribs.
In addition to the culinary event, the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and the Fabulous Dancing Dolls performed during the Super Bowl’s pre-game show on Feb. 9. Approximately 12-15 members from the band and dancers are also students from the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences.