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On March 24, Thursday, the Compton YAL was privileged to welcome celebrity Chef Curtis Aikens. Chef Aikens is a native  Georgian who began his career working for produce companies.

In 1988, Curtis returned to Georgia to begin Aiken's Family Produce, Inc., a wholesale and retail supplier of produce for clients which ranged from the Rockdale County School System to the TV series "In the Heat of the Night" and the feature film "Glory".

His career as a television personality and author  also began in 1988.  He has been with the Food Network since its inception, previously as the host of Pick of the day, From My Garden, Meals Without Meat, and Food In A Flash. Curtis is quick to point out that his expertise with produce does not mean that he is "anti-meat." "I just love fruits and vegetables," he says.

The children of the YAL were very interested in Chef Aiken's farm to table approach to healthy eating.  He instructed them on how you can take the vegetables straight from the YAL garden and construct a healthy meal.  On the day of his demonstration, he showed them how to make turkey burgers.  Everyone in attendance had a great time.