FOOD IS SUCCESS.

A foundation for a better future. Through life-changing training programs, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health — & families facing hunger.

Culinary Training for a Fresh Start

Food is transformational.

For years Nerlande wanted to be a professional cook. Despite working in restaurants for years, her lack of education and cooking experience kept her from moving forward with her career.

She found the professional training and personal growth she needed at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s 16-week Culinary Training Program.

“Coming to the program is the best decision I ever made,” said Nerlande.

With every lesson, Nerlande soaked up the knowledge and hands-on experience she had been craving. She received instruction from award-winning chef instructors and mastered food safety, knife skills, new recipes and commercial-grade kitchen equipment. Equally important, she gained confidence and communication skills that continue to help her advocate for herself.

“Going to school, working, and caring for my kids was not easy, but I made it,” Nerlande said on graduation day. “I feel happy and proud of myself and my career.”

Since graduation, Nerlande has been promoted twice at a local resort hotel.

Thanks to you, Nerlande has a foundation for a successful future.

About the Program

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.

To date, 425 students have graduated from the program.

Interested in applying?

To apply for the Culinary Training Program, students must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application.

Apply to Program

See what our students are saying.

Your support of the Culinary Training Program truly changes lives.

“Anything is possible if you keep working on your goal. I’m grateful to be able to seize this opportunity and turn it into the career I’ve dreamed of.”

Pascale

Graduate

“My grandma gave me a passion for cooking, but now I understand the craft behind it. The moment I heard about the program it felt like hope.”

Nate

Graduate

“The biggest lesson I learned in the Culinary Training Program is to be coachable, to take feedback and look for opportunities to improve, in the kitchen and in life.”

Paul

Graduate

“I was raised by my grandmother and became her caretaker for the last several years. Now I am turning back the clock, going to school, and making my life better for myself.”

Yolanda

Graduate

“From the moment I walked in the door at Second Harvest, I felt the positivity and knew this is where I belonged. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. It’s making a difference in my life and I appreciate you.”