Bruce never considered a career in food service until he cooked alongside a chef at a local rehabilitation center. That experience sparked a passion for cooking within him. That pivotal moment inspired him to enroll in Second Harvest Food Bank’s free Culinary Training Program. Over 16 weeks, Bruce and his classmates learned food safety, knife skills, and how to work in a … [Read more...] about Bruce’s Story
Culinary Training Program
The Sky is the Limit: Dezmond’s Story
Dezmond initially thought his career would be in technology but couldn’t resist the allure of culinary arts. During quarantine, his passion for cooking soared. Cooking gave him solace and delight, from whipping creative ramen dishes to preparing his favorite cuisine: Italian food. While volunteering at a local food pantry supported by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central … [Read more...] about The Sky is the Limit: Dezmond’s Story
Savoring Success: A Peek into a Culinary Trainee’s Journey
“The passion has to show on the plate. What do you want people to know about you through your food?” These words, said by program manager Chef Keonna Yearwood, echo through the Culinary Training Program classroom at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The 12 students absorb the challenge and get to work. The 16-week program takes the students through the … [Read more...] about Savoring Success: A Peek into a Culinary Trainee’s Journey
Second Harvest Combines Two Powerful Initiatives to Create Plate Above Catering
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently streamlined its social enterprise division, which includes A Spoon Full of Hope and Catering for Good, to operate as one entity: Plate Above Catering. The move aims to generate more funding for local workforce development efforts. Since launching in 2013, Plate Above has served nearly 147,000 guests across 3,400 events – … [Read more...] about Second Harvest Combines Two Powerful Initiatives to Create Plate Above Catering
Transforming Lives: Nerlande’s Story
For years Nerlande wanted to be a professional cook. Despite working in restaurants for years, her lack of education and cooking experience kept her from moving forward with her career. She found the professional training and personal growth she needed at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s 16-week Culinary Training Program. “Coming to the program is the best … [Read more...] about Transforming Lives: Nerlande’s Story
