Inmates Win at the El Dorado County Fair Baking Tasty Treats

Across the street from the Sheriff’s Office Tahoe Jail is the Lake Tahoe Community College. The Lake Tahoe Community College had an existing culinary arts program. In short order a collaboration was born and the inmates were learning to cook with quality.

Every year the inmates test their quality by entering the El Dorado County Fair in the Baking and Fiery Fair categories. Since 2007 the inmates have amassed over 50 first, second, and third place ribbons. This year was no exception. The inmates in the culinary arts program earned a total of 18 ribbons: 5 First Place, 6 Second Place, and 7 Third Place ribbons. In addition the inmates earned several Fourth Place awards and numerous Honorable Mentions.

The inmates develop not only cooking and baking skills but develop pride and life skills as well, which leads to an improved chance of not returning to jail. Many of the inmates quickly find jobs not only in restaurants but also gain employment due to the work ethic and skills learned in the program.