Culinary School Spotlight: Jasmine Johnson

July 3, 2018

By Ashley Stahmer, Communications Intern

When Jasmine Johnson’s best friend told her about The Culinary School, Jasmine knew she had to apply.  Her friend’s cousin had graduated from the program and was grateful for the experience.  Jasmine says her friend “loved the look of pride on her cousin’s face.  He was just so happy to have done the program and really expressed how much joy it brought him.”

Jasmine has always loved cooking, even though her original passion was limited to baking.  Her family and friends have encouraged her to open a bakery, but Jasmine wants to focus on a comprehensive event planning company that would handle the catering, flowers, and anything else necessary for an event.  “Cooking makes me feel great so I wanted to pursue this first,” she says.  “My ten-year goal, though, is to have an event planning business.”

The Culinary School has taught Jasmine more about the food service industry and cooking.  It’s not only the skills that have helped her, though.  Being with her classmates and instructors inspires her to continuously pursue her goals.  “I’m motivated by the chefs, and I learn from their experiences.  I love to pick their brains,” she admits.  “I love learning every day and being around people who want to learn the same things that I do.”

The Food Bank has made it easier for Jasmine to learn the skills she’ll need to accomplish her goals.  If it weren’t for The Culinary School, her path would have been a little different.  With a baby boy at home, she was a stay-at-home mom before starting the cooking class and anticipated a longer timeframe for her goals.  She says, “I think I would have pursued another culinary school, but I’d have to be working right now to do that.  I would have started a little later with one of the two-year schools.”

As she completes The Culinary School’s 14-week program, Jasmine is happy she listened to her friend’s advice and applied.  She encourages anyone else considering the program to take the chance to learn more.  “The Food Bank is beautiful. They really do make a difference, and I appreciate them having programs like this,” she says. “If you’re thinking about it, just do it. You’ll have everything you need to succeed.”

Interested in a career in the food service industry? Click here to learn more about The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware!