Dinner for 2? Passion On the Menu at Cafe Lacumba

Southern University’s College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences hosts a variety of programs and events that promote education and research. These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address challenges in food production, sustainable farming practices, nutrition, human development, and resource management. Additionally, the college collaborates with local communities and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the well-being of individuals and families. One of these programs is the Dietetic Internship Program, which is over another part of FAFCS called Cafe Lacumba.
The Digest had the opportunity to interview Alexis Motley, Director and instructor of the Dietetic Internship and overseer of Cafe Lacuma. When asked what Cafe Lacumba is, Ms.Motley responded, “Cafe Lacumba is a student-run organization led by the Dietetic Internship program. The interns are considered the Food Service Managers because the dietetic interns are becoming future registered dietetics.” Explaining in more detail, she added, “The dietetic interns set up the menu, create the work schedule, figure out who will staff Cafe Lacumba, and order and pick up groceries—all the way to clean up once the work days are over.”
Motley was then asked, how she selects the dietetic interns to which she responded, “They apply to Southern University’s Grad Program and they also do a matching program through Ascend.” Motley expresses the uniqueness of this internship stating, “Southern University is one of 5 HBCUs that have a dietetic internship program. The diversity in dietetics is huge. We have 100,000 dietetics in the world but only 3,000 of the Registered Dietetics are African American.”
Motley also mentioned that the Dietetic Internship is preparing for a grand re-opening of Cafe Lacumba. The new theme for the restaurant will be Valentine’s Day centered entitled “Sweetheart Lunch Special,” which will be held on Wednesday, February 14.
Some of the specials that Motley and the interns stated they would have would be heart-shaped waffles, breakfast jambalaya, and charcuterie boards. They will also serve baked potatoes, salads, and fresh fruit parfaits. Motley is excited for people to join in on the Brunch Raffle to help support the well-being of the Dietetic Internship Program. The raffle tickets cost $5 for a chance to win a meal with flowers and sparkling cider.
Freshman, Jessica Bellamy, majoring in criminal justice stated, “I’m excited to see a student-run restaurant and to see how tasteful the food will be,” as she is excited to see more healthier options on campus for students always on the go.
Cafe Lacumba is excited to see all the students come out and enjoy the tasteful food prepared by the dietetic interns and the impact they plan to make on Southern University’s Campus through their passion for food.