On Saturday, November 3, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recognized 13 students from its Culinary Training Program during a graduation ceremony. Food bank staff, family, friends and employers joined the celebration to recognize each student's achievements. In addition to learning hands-on food preparation and gaining kitchen training similar to that of professional culinary institutions, students spend part of their days in the classroom, acquiring career and life skills to help them pursue entry-level jobs in the food industry.
“People often ask me what keeps me coming back to this job every single day. My answer is always the same: it’s you,” said Program Director Keonna Yearwood-Branch. “I get to witness your story, a story of courage, growth and belief. A story that asks you to step beyond what you know and see, and to find the fire within yourself to try.”
Jeremy Cooper shared his inspirational journey showing that when life gets tough, perseverance and belief in yourself will inevitably help you break down the walls that stop you from moving forward. Jeremy joined the program after bouncing through an endless stream of temp jobs with limited ability to gain stable employment. During the program, despite many setbacks and moments when he wanted to give up, Jeremy persevered through the demanding curriculum and kept his focus on creating a better future for his family.
What lies ahead for the graduates as they enter the culinary field? Jeremy shares this insight, “Is it going to be easy? No, but is it worth it? If you continue, yes, it's worth it on so many levels. Your story may not have started like mine, but I do know, if you continue to try or don't give up, there's a great success story ahead of you.”
Commencement speaker Executive Chef Damoriae Graham from Hilton Orlando shared the importance of having respect at every level of the kitchen.
“The dishwasher is probably the most important person in the kitchen. Without clean dishes, I can't put food on plates. Without food on plates, I can't make money. Without money, I can't keep the lights on. The respect that I have for my fellow line folks during a rush, they are my family.”
He carries that same respect to food and its journey to the plate, saying, “Every grain of rice, every piece of meat, it has such a long journey before it gets to you. And there's so many people that help that process before it's even delivered, the drivers, the producers, farmers, the families, the environment itself. Respect for the food means minimizing waste. It means celebrating the flavor and honoring its journey from the field to the guest.”
Krystal Glaser was recognized as the Top Student for overcoming obstacles during her time in the program, including an emergency surgery. From changing bus schedules and still showing up early to class every single day, Amos Velazquez received the Best Attendance award. Congratulations, Krystal and Amos!
The Culinary Training Program is integral to Second Harvest's mission to fight hunger and help neighbors thrive. Since 2013, 538 students have completed the 16-week course, embarking on new careers in the food service industry. This transformative program, made possible thanks to community partners, financial supporters, and local employers, continues to reduce barriers to employment and launch new careers.
