When Krystal started the Culinary Training Program, she did not expect it to change her life the way it did.
“I didn't think it was anything, and it was more than I could have expected,” Krystal said. “I wish everybody could come to this program. It's giving me hope that I can have a career (to better support) my kids.”
The 16-week immersive training program for adults with barriers to employment provides hands-on experience inside a professional commercial kitchen, guided by award-winning chef instructors.
Once completed, students are equipped with the knowledge and experience to secure entry-level prep-cook roles, providing them with stable employment to begin progressing in a fulfilling, fast-paced career in food service.
Krystal was living in emergency housing in Orlando with her 14-year-old son when she learned about Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Culinary Training Program. Since she had worked mostly in fast-casual restaurant management, a culinary career seemed like a natural next step on her career path.
“I thought that maybe that was it for me, but it can go so much further,” she said, recalling that she felt she couldn’t advance any higher in fast-casual restaurant management. “I'm excited for the future.”
While Krystal was in the program, her son was excited and supportive for her. He would ask her what she cooked each day when she got home, and wanting to give him a better life kept her motivated.
“I sent him a picture when we got our chef coats and he's like, ‘I'm so proud of you, Mom,’” Krystal recalled.
As a student, Krystal enjoyed learning to cook all different types of cuisine, especially Italian food, and make dishes she never thought she could.
“I am very proud of myself. My phone is full of pictures of things I've done here,” she said, displaying photos of salmon dishes, beurre blanc sauce and even scratch-made mayonnaise.
At graduation, Krystal’s hard work was recognized with the “Top Student” award for her class. She received a job offer while in the program and is now working at a local hotel.
Krystal is also working to be a strong co-parent with her 9-year-old daughter’s father and hopes this step forward will lead to being more involved with her daughter.
The program helped her build a new career, financial stability and a better life for her children.
She encourages anyone considering the Culinary Training Program to apply.
“This is a great support system,” Krystal said. “It opens your eyes, gives you a sense of being, a sense of hope. It's just a wonderful place to be.”
