Culinary School at Milford Food Bank now accepting applications

The third class of the new Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware’s Milford Branch will begin Monday, April 28. Applications are currently being accepted from interested students and are due by Monday, March 17.

The Culinary School at the Milford Branch of the Food Bank of Delaware replicates the program that has been in existence at the Newark facility since 2002.

Under the guidance of Chef Instructor Tim Hunter, the program provides valuable job training to unemployed and underemployed individuals in Kent and Sussex counties.

Greg Jones, a graduate of Milford’s inaugural class, is now employed as a full-time line cook with Aramark at Delaware State University. He praised the program.

“It changed my life, because it opened my eyes to my abilities and gave me the chance to believe in myself. It was a great experience working with Ms. Brenda and Chef Tim,” he said.

The 14-week program includes 12 weeks (daytime hours) of hands-on training in basic and high-end kitchen skills, safe food handling and life skills. Students also have the opportunity to become ServSafe certified.

The 12 weeks of training culminates with a two-week paid internship at a food service company. Upon graduation, the Food Bank of Delaware helps place students in entry-level jobs in the food industry.

“The response from the community for this new program has been astounding,” said Food Bank of Delaware Milford Branch Director Chad Robinson. “We know that in order to end hunger in our state, we must provide residents with job training that will lead to sustainable employment. The food service industry plays an important role in Delaware’s economy, and we are proud that we are able to provide skilled workers to local businesses in the industry.”

Students interested in applying to The Culinary School must have a high school diploma or GED with a ninth-grade reading and math level. The cost to attend is $5,700, but the Food Bank of Delaware works with each candidate to identify funding sources.

The mission of The Culinary School is twofold. First students are taught skills that are highly desirable to employers in the food industry, and second, these newly developed skills have the potential to lead to jobs in the industry that provide job security and economic sustainability.

Students are referred to the program through the Criminal Justice Council, Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Veterans Affairs and other community-based organizations.

For more information or to apply, contact Brenda Palomo, Culinary School program manager, at 302-424-3301, Ext. 107 or bpalomo@fbd.org.

For more information about the Food Bank of Delaware, go to www.fbd.org or call 302-292-1305.