From Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
In Summary:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has launched Career Pathways, a new workforce development initiative designed to connect more residents with stable employment opportunities. The expanded program adds a customer service training track alongside the organization’s longstanding culinary training program, which has helped more than 535 adults since 2013. Officials say the effort aims to address the root causes of hunger by helping participants build job skills, achieve financial stability, and achieve long-term economic mobility.
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Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is expanding its efforts to address a root cause of hunger by launching Career Pathways, an enhanced workforce training program designed to better prepare and connect more job seekers with in-demand careers, thereby reducing the number of people who need food assistance.
Related: Hunger is rising in Central Florida, and food banks can’t fight it alone.
Building on the success of its long-running Culinary Training Program, Career Pathways introduces a second professional track focused on customer service – broadening access to employment opportunities across multiple industries. Since launching in 2013, the Culinary Training Program has helped more than 535 adults develop the skills needed for careers in food service, creating financial stability and economic mobility.
The topic also recently gained attention from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Second Harvest’s director of culinary programs was one of 16 subject matter experts from across the Southeast invited to participate in the Community Advisors Economic Convening. During the two-day session on May 12 and 13, Keonna Yearwood-Branch shared research findings as part of broader discussions around economic mobility and workforce development. I’ve attached some photos that Keonna took while in Atlanta.
Keonna Yearwood-Branch shared research findings as part of broader discussions around economic mobility and workforce development.
The newly structured program prepares participants for employment through skills training, career readiness support, and direct connections with local employers. Each cohort includes foundational workplace skills such as time management, teamwork and communication, financial literacy, and conflict resolution. The culinary track will continue to offer hands-on, specialized training in a commercial kitchen.
“Career Pathways reflects how we’re evolving to meet both our neighbors’ needs and the realities of today’s shifting job market,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “Not every job seeker is pursuing a career in culinary, but everyone deserves access to meaningful work. By expanding beyond a single industry, we can meet people where they are and connect more individuals to quality employment opportunities while helping them build the skills and confidence needed for long-term stability.”
Applications for Career Pathways are now open; the first customer service cohort begins on July 7. The next culinary cohort begins on August 3. For more information or to apply, visit FeedHopeNow.org/CareerPathways.
Key Points:
- Second Harvest Food Bank launched the new Career Pathways workforce training program.
- The initiative introduces a customer service training track in addition to culinary education.
- More than 535 adults have completed the organization’s Culinary Training Program since 2013.
- The program includes career readiness skills, financial literacy, teamwork, and job placement support.
- The first customer service cohort begins July 7, while the next culinary cohort starts August 3.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF)
SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to more than 800 local nonprofit feeding partners throughout Central Florida. With the help of food and financial donors, volunteers, and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributes 300,000 meals every day across a seven-county service area that includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia. Feeding neighbors facing hunger is only the beginning. By investing in job training programs, advocating for access to nutritious food, and inspiring our community to get involved, SHFBCF is addressing the root causes of hunger and helping our neighbors thrive. With support from the Central Florida community, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health, and families facing hunger. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit https://FeedHopeNow.org.
