Learn Skills and Decrease Childhood Hunger at the Same Time
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Culinary Training Program offers a 12-week free training program for eligible adults to develop skills that can lead to jobs and self-reliance. Training takes place in a full commercial kitchen under the leadership of an experienced professional chef and a production chef. Students prepare more than 3,000 hot meals each week for the Kids Cafe Program as part of their hands-on training that takes place in the kitchen.
The 12-week curriculum will train individuals in basic culinary skills to include ServSafe Manager Certification, sanitary practices, job readiness skills,
resume development, time management, teamwork, leadership, decision-making skills, goal setting, and conflict resolution. Trainees will participate in an intensive academic and hands-on training environment that will produce a graduate ready to work immediately in the food service industry as a successful employee.
Patterned after the successful “Cincinnati Cooks!” program which has been operational since 2001, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Culinary Training Program graduates have over a 90% employment rate at local businesses. Culinary trainee graduates will receive assistance to transfer their new skills to a job in one of the various Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s partner businesses that support the program.
The Culinary Training Program provides an added bonus for the community. As a result of this daily training program, the food prepared by the trainees will significantly increase the number of hot meals available for children at risk of hunger. The Kids Cafe Program currently serves sites at schools, community centers and faith based organizations.
Please go to the
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank website to access the
application and view the
Program’s policy and procedures or call 757-596-7188.