Cooking Up a New Career

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Culinary Training Program is more about the people than it is about the food. The program’s purpose and mission is to provide adults facing various housing, employment and financial barriers with the skills needed to succeed in a new career in culinary arts.

“I don’t have to live wondering what’s going to happen,” says Paul, a student in the free, 16-week program. “I’ve been through hell; it can only get better for me because I’m not giving up.”

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 preparation and serving of several different cuisines in addition to food and kitchen safety, one day at a time.