Nine students graduate from Food Bank’s Kitchen School

August 28, 2024

Congratulations to the Food Bank of Delaware’s Milford Kitchen School Class of 2024 graduates!

Ceremonies for the class were held Wednesday, Aug. 28 at our new Milford facility.

The graduates were Robert Campbell, Angelo Carannante, Luis Gonzalez, Malori Hitchens, Tyrell Joseph, Tatiana Martinez-Figueroa, Toniesha Parks, Shane Schirling, and Tia Street.

The Kitchen School represents a partnership between the Delaware Restaurant Association and the Food Bank in collaboration with instructors and job coaches specializing in work with individuals with disabilities. These grads completed a 12-week training developed to include group and individualized instruction. The next session starts on Sept. 16.

Chef La’Reka Marshall, 123 Easy Catering and Cleaning Scents, offered keynote remarks. After praising the staff and students, she reminded them that success is not guaranteed. “You have to continue to pound the pavement in your future. It was God’s grace and mercy that go me where I am today. You have to start from the bottom; success does not come easy,” she said.

The graduates expressed their thanks to their instructors, job coaches and family members. All of the students have found jobs, and two are continuing their education at Delaware Technical and Community College. 

“I wouldn’t be here without my family,” said graduate Angelo Carannante. “I just want to say how appreciative I am of everyone.” 

At the Kitchen School, classes in Milford and at our Newark facility, meet from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday and from 9 a.m. – noon on Fridays. Students spend 8 weeks at the Food Bank kitchen in Newark or Milford; after that, an additional four weeks is spent transitioning to permanent employment through on-site job coaching.

The Food Bank’s professional chef instructors and job coaches train students to enter food-service workplaces. Students learn kitchen safety, hands-on cooking skills, and sanitation procedures. In addition, they have an opportunity to earn a ServSafe® Food Handler Certification.

Staff also provide instruction in soft skills and employer expectations using national industry-based guidelines and curriculum. Students receive support and develop an individualized plan needed to enter a workplace, including transportation options.

Kitchen School staff assist students in finding partner employers whose needs match student strengths and help the transition into a permanent workplace. Additionally, Kitchen School staff provide support to students and employers for at least one year after graduation.
To learn more about the program or to register, visit www.fbd.org/thekitchenschool.