By Keonna Yearwood-Branch, Culinary Training Program Manager at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
With graduation season upon us, not every high school student has their “next” figured out just yet. That’s why Keonna Yearwood-Branch wanted to share this story about Angeline to illustrate the impact this program can have on young people’s lives.
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Stay-at-home mom Angeline Cruz was at a crossroads when returning to the workforce: Should she keep her entry-level job at a shipping warehouse to provide for her family, or should she invest in building her skills – and a long-term career?
From high school graduates to single parents, many working-age adults in our community face that same dilemma. They might have just enough income to stay afloat, working part-time or irregular jobs that earn far less than minimum wage. However, financial constraints and lack of hands-on training and job experience can keep them locked in the status quo, unable to capitalize on their full potential.
But Angeline found a solution. Last fall, she enrolled in the Culinary Training Program (CTP), a mission-based initiative of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The tuition-free 16-week course is designed to help neighbors break down barriers to employment by providing comprehensive education in culinary skills and food service, with hands-on kitchen training with professional chefs.
At the same time, we help students navigate some of the obstacles that can make it difficult to hold down a full-time job, such as limited transportation or childcare. The CTP curriculum also covers essential life skills like budgeting, interviewing, and time management to help graduates succeed after they move on from the program to work in their chosen field.
Living with financial instability can make people feel likethey’re trapped, unable to achieve their full potential. But with just a small head start, we can break down those initial barriers that keep students from moving forward so they can start working toward bigger and better things – whether that’s higher earning potential, a promotion, or a career doing what they love.
After graduating from the program, Angeline landed an internship at a local resort, where she later secured a job as a pastry chef. In her graduation speech to the class of November 2024, she urged others: “Never give up. Keep your eye on the prize. Keep your eye on your goals.”
We’re proud to say that the Culinary Training Program has graduated a total of 513 students since its launch in 2013, all in small classes (12 students on average) taught by experienced food service professionals. But as momentous as that milestone is, it’s only a fraction of the life-changing impact the program has had on the lives, careers, and families of our neighbors here in Central Florida.
That includes Angeline. It also includes neighbors like Jahaira, who overcame homelessness and bankruptcy to embark on the culinary career she dreamed of … Jeremy, whose determination to provide for his kids spurred him to develop his skills as a cook … and Derrick, whose time in the program rekindled a love of great food and inspired him to someday own his own food truck.
Those are just a handful of the hundreds of success stories made possible by the Culinary Training Program – and in the years to come, there will be hundreds more.
If you or someone you know has been dealing with financial instability, unemployment, or other challenges, the Culinary Training Program may be able to offer you a fresh start. Any Orange, Osceola or Seminole County resident over the age of 18 can apply on our website at www.feedhopenow.org for our summer, fall, and winter sessions.
And if you’re interested in supporting Second Harvest’s larger mission and impact in Central Florida, there’s never been a better time to get involved. It’s thanks to the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors – as donors, volunteers, advocates and community partners – that we’re able to fight hunger and feed hope every day.
