Milford culinary school classes start May 6

A group of 11 students of the culinary school at the Food Bank of Delaware celebrated their achievements during a graduation ceremony for the 24th class at their Milford facility. The new graduates are Keya Butcher, Isela Cordero, Dale Costen, Miles Footerman, Dashunda Harmon, Rovina Hill, Kameron Mason, Taylor Mereider, Gordon Pruitt, Vanessa Singletary and Yeris Soriano.

Dogfish Head Restaurants Executive Chef Lou Ortiz, a Delaware native, was guest speaker at the ceremony. He said the food service industry is rich and evolving. He told students, “Embrace the crazy. Respect your leaders and fight for them. Never let your pride outweigh the common goal, and never give up on yourself.”

FBD Executive Chef Tim Hunter spoke about the positive changes he has seen in the graduating class and praised students for their hard work. “It’s work every day to get here. I don’t want you to thank me. I just want you to keep your job,” said Hunter.

FBD Chef Instructor Tish Badamshin and Workforce Training Program Manager Ruthann Messick guided the students over the past 14 weeks developing their skills and passion for the culinary arts. From proper knife handling techniques to ServSafe certification and completing a two-week work experience, the students are now prepared for entry-level jobs in the food industry.

The students also spoke of the life changes they experienced during the program, and those remarks brought tears and smiles to those in the audience.

“I’ve been through a lot to get where I am here today, to achieve what I achieved,” said graduate Kameron Mason. “This is my first job ever in my life.”

“I don’t have the greatest past, but my future is so bright,” said Dashunda Harmon.

Graduate Yeris Soriano said, “Life isn’t easy. Some of us tried to take shortcuts to success, but learned the hard way. It’s all about my son now.”

Following the ceremony, the graduates showcased their newly acquired skills by serving a delicious lunch they had prepared for family and friends.

Culinary school students are taught skills that are highly desirable to food industry employers, and these skills have the potential to lead to positions in the industry that provide job security and economic sustainability.

The Culinary School is part of the Food Bank of Delaware’s workforce development initiative, Delaware Food Works. Its mission is to eliminate food insecurity through workforce development and social entrepreneurship. Students are referred to the program through the Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Correction, Delaware Health and Social Services and other community-based organizations.

The next culinary class at the Food Bank of Delaware Milford branch will begin Monday, May 6. Applications are currently being accepted, and student funding is available. To learn more or to apply, go to www.fbd.org/the-culinary-school.