Ferris School and Food Bank of Delaware kick off new culinary partnership with graduation

November 9, 2017

The accomplishments of four young men were celebrated this morning at a graduation ceremony marking the Food Bank of Delaware and Ferris School’s new partnership.

Over the past nine weeks, Food Bank of Delaware Chef Instructor Sean McNeice has worked with the students in the Ferris School instructional kitchen teaching them both basic and high-end culinary skills. In addition, the students learned important life skills like the importance of hard work and dedication. Each also had the opportunity to become ServSafe certified.

When the class started most had not considered future careers in the food service industry, but after working with Chef Sean, the young men’s interest in this growing field has been piqued.

“I’m proud of you all,” McNeice told the graduates. “I am impressed with each of your skillsets. You all have a future in the food service industry.”

McNeice said one student would even like to pursue the Food Bank’s 14-week culinary training program when he completes his time at Ferris.

“Partnerships like this new one with the Ferris School are what we are all about,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “Empowering people through educational opportunities is how we solve issues related to hunger and poverty. The food service industry in Delaware is a growing one with many opportunities for advancement. By providing youth with the opportunity to learn about the culinary field, we help them make important career decisions. Whether they pursue a career later down the road or not, learning to cook is a valuable skill – we all need to eat.”

After the graduation ceremony, lunch, prepared by the graduates, was served. Students prepared shrimp pot stickers, Coca-Cola chicken drum sticks, seafood pot pie, roasted vegetables, sliders, caramelized pineapple and assorted desserts.