Foodlink recruiting for chef training program

Foodlink Inc. is looking for the next class of future chefs.

The Foodlink Career Fellowship is an intensive culinary training program designed for individuals who have experienced barriers to sustainable employment. The yearlong program is a state-registered cook apprenticeship and includes both classroom and hands-on training within Foodlink’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.

Fellows play an integral role alongside the Foodlink Community Kitchen staff in preparing thousands of healthy meals daily for Rochester children while increasing the core competencies needed to work in a high-volume kitchen environment.

“The Foodlink Career Fellowship is an awesome opportunity for people that have a passion for cooking, and want to gain knowledge of culinary techniques,” said Charnel Council, a member of the current class. “The staff at Foodlink is very supportive in all kinds of ways.”

The Class of 2022 will begin its journey through the program in late June. Recruitment is underway and continues through the end of May.

“Aspiring chefs who have a passion for the culinary arts but have struggled to find living-wage employment are given an excellent opportunity to succeed through the Foodlink Career Fellowship,” said Foodlink’s Director of Career Empowerment Initiatives Jes Scannell. “The program allows fellows to learn, train and graduate into middle-skills jobs and promising careers in the regional food industry.”

Prospective applicants must be nominated by a local community-based organization, employer, caseworker, or mentor. The nomination/application form is available for download at www.FoodlinkNY.org.

Foodlink is a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. The organization serves as the hub of the emergency food system across a 10-county service area, and as a leading public health organization, Foodlink administers many programs and initiatives that aim to build the health and wealth of communities.

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