Orlando Congresswoman Val Demings visited Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to present a check for $775,000 in federal appropriations funding, which will support Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program – just one of 10 community projects in her district to receive federal funding support.
The food bank started the Culinary Training Program in 2013 to provide qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. While enrolled, students experience every aspect of the food service industry, and also hone their interview skills through on-site job fairs and mock interview opportunities. Since its inception, 425 students have graduated from the Culinary Training Program – the majority of them directly joining the workforce or continuing their education.
“The pursuit of happiness and opportunity is one of our most sacred American values, and I was proud to work with Second Harvest to support this program,” said Rep. Demings. “The Culinary Workforce Training Program helps Floridians who are down on their luck or looking for new opportunities, providing critical career and life skills to join our workforce and help them become independent, stable, and successful.”
The event was full of excitement when Congresswoman Demings met with students in the Culinary Training Program during the check presentation.
“For nearly a decade, the Culinary Training Program has been transforming lives by providing Central Floridians with sustainable job skills to pursue a career in our bustling food service industry,” said Second Harvest President/CEO Derrick Chubbs. “We’re incredibly grateful for Congresswoman Demings’ support in securing this new federal funding opportunity. It’s a major win for not only for Central Florida’s hospitality sector, but also for workers and their families.”
Over $6 million is coming to Central Florida from Rep. Demings’ Community Project designations, in consultation with mayors and community partners in Florida’s 10th District.
“Second Harvest’s work has been a key partner as we continue to build our economy, create good new jobs, and ensure that Central Florida remains a great place to visit, to go out, and to live,” Rep. Demings added.
