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
Culinary Training Program
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
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
Transforming Lives: Pascale’s Story
Some kids dream of being astronauts or doctors. Pascale dreamt of becoming a chef. Growing up in Haiti, she envisioned a future where she would fuse Caribbean flavors with different cuisines. She left her homeland to pursue stability, opportunity and culinary dreams. Pascale enrolled in Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida's free, 16-week Culinary Training … [Read more...] about Transforming Lives: Pascale’s Story
Culinary Training Program Recognized as “Outstanding Diversity Helping Hand” by Orlando Business Journal
How do you build a career when you don’t have a stable home, transportation, proper training or even a resume? For hurricane refugees, families furloughed during the pandemic, and countless others, Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program (CTP) offers an answer. Designed to serve adults of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds who face barriers to stable … [Read more...] about Culinary Training Program Recognized as “Outstanding Diversity Helping Hand” by Orlando Business Journal
