Teens and young adults explore the culinary field at the Food Bank of Delaware

August 4, 2021

It’s been an action-packed four weeks for six participants in our Summer Culinary Exploration Program in Newark!

Alana, Andrew, Ya, Tyla, Julian and Kyle spent the past month exploring the culinary field under the guidance of Chef Tim Hunter.

In addition to hands-on cooking lessons in the Food Bank kitchen, the group also went on fields trips to Red Robin and Planet Smoothie, and Chef Robie Jester, a local chef who went head to head with Food Network Star Bobby Flay – and won – visited the class to teach students how to make homemade pasta.

The students’ hard work was celebrated today during a luncheon ceremony!

Using fresh ingredients from the Food Bank farm, the students worked hard this week to make a fresh meal from scratch for their families, friends and other community attendees!

Attendees had a choice of vegetable lasagna, chicken parmigiana, mozzarella, tomato and basil salad or macaroni and cheese. Students assembled the meals in the kitchen, while Food Bank of Delaware program staff members, Diana and Lisa, served families. After plating meals for their guests, students sat and enjoyed lunch.

“Your meals were absolutely delicious,” praised Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “You did it. I am so proud of all of you! Please know that our door is always open to you! If you want to continue learning more, we have a 14-week program, and we will help find a job for you! The sky is the limit. Keep in touch with us. We are here to help you.”

All of the students received ServSafe® food handler certification and received completion certificates.

Chef Tim praised the group for their hard work and dedication and thanked the families. “This is my favorite program,” he said. “They can absolutely work in the ktichen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing these students with me.”

The Milford class’ hard work will be celebrated tomorrow!

Congratulations to our Newark program participants!

• Alana Baldwin
• Andrew Davis
• Yaw Kyeadea-Amponsah
• Tyla McKenzie
• Julian Pickett
• Kyle Sutter