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 – generating incremental financial support for Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program.
“Hospitality is one of the top economic drivers in Central Florida,” said Nancy Brumbaugh, Chief Food Service Officer at Second Harvest. “Not only does the Plate Above team stand ready to provide the highest quality customer service and some of the best-tasting bites in Central Florida, but every order also helps support neighbors as they pursue a career in the food service industry.”
Revenue generated through every Plate Above contract directly funds Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, a free continuing education training course for eligible adults looking to work or advance within the food service sector. It costs around $7,000 per student to complete the 16-week course that teaches employability skills needed for the local job market. To date, more than 450 graduates have completed the program and entered the workforce.
Plate Above is led by award-winning Chef Jill Holland and sales manager Lanette Jarvis. The social enterprise will continue to offer full service onsite or offsite catering, buffet-style drop-off or pickup, and à la carte menu options, as well as holiday meals to go. The signature product line of locally sourced honey, shortbread cookies and edible cookie dough can be added as packaged favors for guests.
