news release

Seeking a career change to the culinary arts? Looking to level up your existing food service career? Treasure Coast Food Bank’s Culinary Training Academy can provide the next steps. The next 12-week session starts Jan. 31. Applications are due Jan. 28.

The program prepares students to know their way around a commercial kitchen, but also how to run a food service operation, such as a banquet hall, hotel dining operation, or catering business. Training comes not just from the classroom but from hands-on practice in planning, designing, and executing a menu.

The program is certified by the American Culinary Federation, and graduates can earn numerous certifications: ServSafe Managers’ Certification from the National Restaurant Association, Certified Guest Services Professional from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, Nutrition 2.0 Certification from the National Restaurant Association, and Certified Fundamentals Culinarian from the American Culinary Federation.

Additionally, qualified graduates are eligible to receive credit for 4 classes in the Indian River State College Apprenticeship program or credit for 3 classes toward their associate’s degree.

The 12-week course takes place at Treasure Coast Food Bank’s Production Kitchen in Fort Pierce. Classes are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some scholarships are available. For more information, email  jobtraining@tcfoodbank.org or to apply, visit stophunger.org/culinary-training-program/.

ABOUT TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization on Florida’s Treasure Coast, providing the community each year with millions of meals valued at more than $50 million through robust programs and in partnership with 400 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. In addition to emergency food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank operates a full roster of direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security, better health outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Treasure Coast Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. For more information on Treasure Coast Food Bank, call 772.489.3034, log on to stophunger.org, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/tcfoodbank, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/tcfoodbank.Photo ID:1) Culinary Students Natasha Morrison and Gustavo Soto get hands-on experience at an event catered by Healthy Harvest Catering2) Recent Culinary Training Academy graduates with Director of Culinary Services Leslie Moyars, third from left, and Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank, second from right.Angie Francalancia