In celebration of International Chef’s Day 2025, the culinary team from Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji, traded their premium kitchen for the heart of the community, preparing and serving lunch for 175 students from neighboring Yanuya Island Village.
Led by Executive Chef Joshua Seeds, the initiative was part of the resort’s ongoing community engagement through Marriott International’s “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction” program. The day’s theme, “Cooking for Our Community,” brought together chefs, volunteers, and resort leaders to honor the local families who form the backbone of Sheraton Tokoriki’s workforce.
“Over 30% of the kitchen and service associates come from Yanuya Village, a scenic 20-minute boat ride from the resort,” shared Chef Seeds. “Today, the team cooked for their children, the next generation who watch their parents leave early each morning to work at the resort. It is our way of saying thank you with a hearty plate of food.”
The chefs prepared a wholesome island-style lunch, with over 70% of the ingredients sourced locally from Fijian farmers and fishermen through the resort’s procurement partnerships.
“The menu was designed to feel warm, nourishing, and familiar — a mix of comfort and celebration,” said Chef Seeds. “Good food doesn’t have to come from far away; it comes from your own soil, your own hands, and your own community.”
Of the resort’s 165 associates, 98 come from the Mamanuca, Yasawa, and Western regions, with 42 specifically from Yanuya Island. Through the Fiji Marriott Training Academy, 12 young trainees from Yanuya completed hands-on culinary placements this year, earning full-time roles within the resort’s departments.
The resort also offers Yanuya Village Tours three days a week, connecting guests with local culture and community life.
“Hospitality extends beyond the resort walls,” Chef Seeds added. “When guests see the team cooking for children or volunteering in the village, they witness the values behind the Sheraton brand. Sheraton is about gathering people, not just in restaurants, but in moments that matter within the community.”
As laughter filled the schoolyard and chefs served plates to smiling children, the event highlighted what makes Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji unique — its spirit of connection and care. Chef Seeds described the day in one word: “Heartfelt. Seeing the joy the children experienced was truly special.”
Find your escape at Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji, and indulge in an unforgettable getaway. Located on the remote island of Tokoriki, the resort offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, world-class dining, and exceptional service.
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REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.
