Register by Aug. 6 for free culinary training program at food bank

The Food Bank of Delaware is accepting applications for its free workforce training program, Delaware Food Works. Classes are available in culinary arts and warehousing/logistics.

Culinary classes begin Monday, Aug. 16, at the food bank’s Milford and Newark warehouses. Interested students should sign up by Friday, Aug. 6.

Logistics/warehousing training begins Monday, Sept. 20. Interested students should sign up by Friday, Sept. 10.

The culinary school meets in person for 14 weeks at the food bank's Milford and Newark kitchens. Led by chef instructors Tim Hunter and Tish Badamshin, students will learn basic and high-end kitchen skills, and participate in a two-week paid work experience. Participants also have the opportunity to earn ServSafe certification.

The LOGIC course covering logistics, operations, general warehousing and inventory control meets in person at the Food Bank's Newark warehouse. This 11-week program includes a two-week paid work experience. Under the guidance of warehouse instructor Joe Cunha, students will learn how to use warehouse equipment like forklifts, end riders, pallet jacks and more. All participants have the opportunity to receive forklift and OSHA-10 certification.

In addition to accelerated training programs needed to start new careers in just a few months, the Food Bank of Delaware also provides students with job placement, uniforms and supplies, paid work experience, textbooks and transportation. Students are picked up or student drivers receive gas cards.

“Our training programs are truly life-changing,” said Cathy Kanefsky, Food Bank of Delaware president and CEO. “Thanks to our incredible donors, we are able to provide this free training to Delawareans who are looking for a fresh start. The pandemic left so many of our neighbors under- and unemployed, and this program is the bright spot that so many of us need right now.”

To apply online for the free training programs, go to fbd.org/delawarefoodworks and select culinary or warehousing/logistics.