On Saturday, January 13, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recognized 13 Culinary Training Program students during a graduation ceremony. Food bank staff, family, friends and employers joined the festivities to celebrate students from classes 50 and 51 for their achievement. Over 16 weeks, students learned hands-on food preparation and gained kitchen training similar … [Read more...] about Celebrating New Careers as 13 Students Graduate from Culinary Training Program
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Sharpening Skills for a Brighter Future: Stacey’s Story
Stacey's journey unfolded in a series of chapters, each with its own unique challenges and revelations. She relocated to Orlando with aspirations of higher education, but the abrupt shift to online classes due to the pandemic posed unexpected difficulties. Her once-stellar GPA plummeted, casting a shadow over her scholarship. Trying to find a next step, Stacey briefly worked … [Read more...] about Sharpening Skills for a Brighter Future: Stacey’s Story
Bruce’s Story
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
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