Manager Certification
Meet the Gardener: “Chef Charlene” Messer
Although the garden falls under the purview of the Price Institute, it has not been alone in the creation and upkeep of our little plot of land. There are many volunteers, students, organizations, and gardeners that have come together to make the garden what it is and we are looking to honor those who have had the biggest impact on our efforts through our blog’s newest series: Meet the Gardener!
What is Agriculture?
"Agriculture, for me, as an urban community chef and educator, is about food health. Having access to fresh food. In an urban community facing hopelessness and disease, we want to eradicate that."
"It's about perseverance and resilience in our communities. Teaching our community the legacy of their parents... our children must hold the key."
Chef Charlene
Urban Community Chef & Educator
The Secret of Spices
"Welcome to my conference. Here we capture the essence of what we are doing: sharing health through cooking. It is all in the spices, in the authentic flavor of the garden."
"From the apples to the onions we cook, every ingredient is a vital source. It’s about understanding that everything begins in the earth and ends on our table in the most flavorful way possible."
Chef Charlene
Culinary Demonstration & Nutrition
Our Gallery
Explore our community impact and discover healthy, chef-inspired recipes.
Garden-to-Table Cooking Demonstration Classes
Experience the journey from the garden to your plate! Join our hands-on demonstration classes to learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare fresh, seasonal ingredients. Discover expert techniques, delicious recipes, and sustainable cooking practices that bring the flavors of nature right to your kitchen table.
- Seed-to-Plate Experienc
- Sustainable Cooking Techniques
- Interactive Learning Environment
- Delicious, Healthy Recipes
Events
FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATION
Passion for cooking can turn a profession any time
Indulge in a world of garden-inspired cuisine with our exclusive recipe collection. Get instant access to mouthwatering dishes, easy-to-follow instructions, and expert tips on using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Elevate your cooking routine today
Vinaigrettes on Sale!
Elevate every meal with our handcrafted vinaigrettes, made from fresh, natural ingredients. Shop now and save while supplies last!
Who is Charlene Messer?
Charlene Messer epitomizes the African proverb, “It takes a village.” She is dedicated to improving the wellness of her community.
A passionate advocate for youth and food activist, she is affectionately known as Chef Charlene in the community. She is on a mission to spread greater awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems and healthy living. She credits her late grandmother Ardith Ransom for her passion for cooking. Charlene said by preparing meals after school she discovered what would become part of her platform today.
As founder and CEO of Elegant Bouquet Kitchen, Inc. created in 2013, Messer is now promoting food equity, urban gardening, nutritious food, and wellness. She has spent the past decade connecting residents to high quality produce grown at local urban gardens and food demonstrations. Charlene is a Servsafe Manager Instructor & Proctor certifying nationally.
A fellow of the Cloud Institute for Sustainable Education, Messer is involved with numerous community partnerships including gardening initiatives run by Newark Science and Sustainability, Urban Agriculture Cooperative, Alminur Farms, La Casa De Don Pedro, Newark Community Health Center, and the Rutgers Newark-Price Institute.
Additionally, she also serves as principal of CHARM’S Business Consulting, LLC, fellow of the Governing Institute of New Jersey, Fellow of Community Foundation Leadership Initiative of New Jersey, and Kean University Alumni where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration, New Jersey Notary Public, Consultant, 2024 Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, an avid attendee of culinary workshops to learn, and refine her cooking techniques. During her extra-curricular time Ms. Messer serves as Exquisite 1st runner up Ms. Full Figured NJ USA.
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