Courtney learned a new career-sustaining skillset at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Culinary Training Program, but the biggest change she experienced was in her confidence.
When she first started the program, Courtney expressed uncertainty that it was the right path for her and wasn’t confident she could work in the culinary field. She lived in emergency housing with her son and heard about the program from a social worker there.
“I didn’t know if I could do it, but they really support me,” Courtney said of the program’s leaders. “It helps to realize a lot of people are dealing with things. They’re helping me open up more when opportunities arise. I’m coming here starting from zero. From there, I try every day to do something better. My thing is legacy; no matter where I came from, I can do better, learn who I am, and keep going.”
Courtney kept going. She graduated from the program and now works at a restaurant on the property of a local theme park.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to expand my culinary knowledge and skill by now learning the details of sushi cuisine,” Courtney said after she secured her job. “(The program) provided me with the time it takes to get familiar with the kitchen atmosphere and to get comfortable moving around the kitchen on my own to complete a dish.”
She said her time in the Culinary Training Program was vital to her getting a jump-start on a new career.
“This program does more than what is needed for its participants to succeed,” Courtney said. “It provides an opportunity to learn something new and helps create a basis to create the career you’d like in the culinary field.”
The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time sustainable career in the food industry.
Highlights of the training for Courtney included learning various cooking techniques, from broiling to sautéing to searing and many others. She especially enjoyed the live demonstrations from industry professionals.
“I’ve really enjoy being able to watch all of the techniques and steps up close and then have a chance to recreate the same,” she recalled. “From bread to fresh fish and pasta, I’ve enjoyed them all. My favorite thing I cooked during the program was also from a demo — salmon and alfredo on top of pasta made from scratch.”
Courtney also learned some new things about herself.
“I have come to find out that I actually have a bit of a knack for baking, and I’ve also learned that I have some talent when it comes to decorating food,” she said. “My brownies and homemade caramel were a big hit at school.”
With her newfound skills and confidence, Courtney is ready for the next steps on her career path.
“At the beginning of class I was a bit nervous and not so confident,” she said. “But after getting to know my instructors and learning my way around the kitchen I became very confident and even began to try to challenge myself more. Not only have I gained knowledge, but also a great deal of confidence and courage in the kitchen.”
