Culinary Training Program

“I came in with absolutely no skills, and they taught me,” says Jeremy, reflecting on how far he’s come on his career journey. “And now I’m doing everything I wanted to do in the kitchen.” A health crisis and his mom’s death sent Jeremy into a tailspin. He lost his job and tried working odd jobs to provide for his growing family. He and his wife were expecting another child. … [Read more...] about “It’s Not a Job, It’s a Career.”

Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program provides students facing barriers to employment with the hands-on technical kitchen experience and skills, setting them on a path to excel in life. During the 16-week program, guest chefs are invited to spend time with students to provide enrichment opportunities. These experiences, with new voices and perspectives, allow students to … [Read more...] about “Find your forte and perfect it.”

Derrick's culinary journey is a testament to the power of personal growth. His love for cooking, instilled by his grandmother, is the seed that blossomed into a passion. His first taste of the food service industry came as he unexpectedly found himself in a leadership role in a nonprofit kitchen. Reflecting on this challenging experience, Derrick sees it as a turning point that … [Read more...] about A Dream Come True

There can be a lot of pressure on young adults to attend college and follow a traditional career path. For some people, like Xavier, career pathways are journeys of self-discovery.  Xavier’s goal is to find purpose and fulfillment in his life. He explored several different paths, including auto mechanics and computer engineering. He found he needed a career that … [Read more...] about Xavier Finds a Fulfilling New Career