There’s an excitement brewing in the Calais kitchen as news spread about a recently received $2500 grant from M&T Bank for the purchase of an Eddie,® The Edible Ink Printer to use in the Calais Culinary Arts Program.

The Eddie,® The Edible Ink Printer, one of the most innovative products on the market today is an automated digital printer that prints full-color photos and text directly onto food surfaces, replacing airbrushing and other manual tasks. With the addition of this new technology, Calais’ culinary students can now build upon their basic understanding of baking while pairing it with artistry and leading edge technology.

In her Culinary Arts Program, Chef Al-Nisa Salaam teaches students about fundamental life skills, including food safety and hygiene, meal planning and preparation, as well as nutrition and time management. The skills learned in this program not only help students prepare for independent living but also introduce them to careers in the food service industry. 

“Our students will now gain invaluable exposure to emerging technology, giving them a competitive edge when and if they choose to seek employment in the food and food service industries.” said Chef Salaam. She went on to explain, “Exciting new projects are in the works. Students will use software programs to adjust their cookie design by shape, length, width and height all while combining knowledge from other subject areas to complete these tasks. The projects are endless and we are so excited!”

The Calais School is grateful for the generosity of the M&T Bank and for making this wonderful opportunity possible. Calais’ Culinary Arts students will gain hands-on training with cutting edge technology in the food industry. 3D printing is currently a niche sector in the food industry, but is expected to grow because of its automation of the food preparation process, consistent ingredient accuracy and an overall reduction in waste. 

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The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen our communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants, employee volunteerism and in-kind services. Healthy communities are the foundation of successful businesses. We work in partnership with nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for our customers, employees, and neighbors. Our decisions are made locally, by the people who know their communities best.

The Calais School is a state approved, private special education school serving students in grades K through 12 Plus with multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety,  mood, behavior and autism spectrum disorders. We’ve been helping children find acceptance, friendship and support for over 50 years. Visit us at www.thecalaisschool.org.