On Saturday, November 9, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recognized 25 Culinary Training Program students during a graduation ceremony. This ceremony also celebrated the program’s 500th graduate. Food bank staff, family, friends, and employers joined the celebration to recognize each student’s achievements. In addition to learning hands-on food preparation and gaining kitchen training similar to the curriculum of professional culinary institutions, students spend part of their days in the classroom, learning career and life skills to help them pursue entry-level food-industry jobs.
Angeline Cruz shared remarks about her inspiring journey with the new graduates. Before starting the culinary program, Angeline was a stay-at-home mom beginning the transition to work at a shipping warehouse. At a crossroads, Angelina had to choose between keeping her job to provide for her family or investing in skills training as part of the culinary program.
Angeline quit her warehouse job and jumped headfirst to finish the program. However, her transition from the program to a career in culinary was not seamless. She did not land a job immediately following the program. Despite the setback, Angeline leaned on her life skills training, which included stress management, to persevere and land an internship at a local resort, where she is now working in the pastry department. “Never give up. Keep your eye on the prize. Keep your eye on your goals,” says Angeline.
Idalia Nunez, former Program Manager of the Culinary Training Program at Second Harvest Food Bank, delivered commencement remarks. “I honestly feel like I have arrived home,” Idalia says as she describes her feelings about returning to Second Harvest, where she helped start the program in 2013. “It’s an amazing program, and it gave me some time to reflect—on its values and my own life journey. I kept coming back to what felt like a little secret recipe, and it always had the same three key ingredients: hard work, passion, and courage.”
Program staff recognized Daniella Dominique with the Best Attendance award. With personal commitments, she communicated her need to leave early one day a week with the program managers, but she was present every day and on time throughout the program. Marilyn De La Cruz received the Top Student award for her perseverance in consistently overcoming transportation limitations to get to school from Poinciana five days a week. While in the kitchen, she soaked up as much knowledge as possible. Gabriel Bodre was also recognized for his commitment as he balanced attending the program while maintaining enrollment at Valencia College. Congratulations, Daniella, Marilyn, and Gabriel!
The Culinary Training Program is integral to Second Harvest’s mission to fight hunger and help neighbors thrive. Since 2013, over 500 students have completed the course, embarking on new careers in the food service industry. This transformative program, made possible thanks to community partners, financial supporters, and local employers, continues to reduce barriers to employment and launch new careers.
