The Culinary School

Getting a stable job that pays what you need to support yourself can feel impossibly hard, especially when you’ve got obstacles in your way.

We have workforce training programs in food service that you can complete in just 14 weeks. Best of all, tuition, meals, uniforms, supplies, and transportation are free!

Our programs help you gain in-demand skills in a supportive environment. They’re designed to build your confidence and help you succeed.

Our team also provides job placement services to help you find and transition into a new job.

Students must be available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon for in-person training at the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark and Milford.

What is The Culinary School? 

The Culinary School is a 14-week training program, certified by the Delaware Department of Education, that prepares students for careers in the food service industry. Students receive 420 hours of training and work experience over the course of 14 weeks.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Tim Hunter and Chef Instructors Tish Badamshin and Adrienne Hall, students:

• Train in the kitchen of the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark and Milford
• Learn basic and high-end kitchen skills
• Have the opportunity to become ServSafe® certified
• Receive a paid two-week work experience,  job placement services, uniforms, textbook and knife.

Why The Culinary School?

• FAST: Don’t spend years in a program. Start a new career in just 14 weeks. Job placement for current students and alumni is available.
• FREE: Student tuition and supplies are paid through generous scholarships and grants ($9,097/student)
• TRANSPORTATION: Free transportation is available to and from class. Gas cards are available for student drivers.

2025 CLASS SCHEDULE

September 8, 2025 – December 12, 2025 (Milford)
September 29, 2025 – January 2, 2025 (Newark)

Learn More!

Program Requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a High School diploma or GED diploma or be seeking to obtain.
• Have reading and math skills at or above an 8th grade level.
• Not be a danger to self or others.
• Be available to be in class from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon on Friday
• Be curious, ready to learn, and willing to do homework.
• Have a strong desire to gain and maintain employment in the food service industry.

• Be able to read, speak, and comprehend English in a fast paced environment.
• Have basic math skills and an adequate reading level for studying a textbook, completing exams, and writing job related documents.
• Be able to lift 40 pounds and stand up to 6-8 hours daily with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Be able to see well enough to read at 2.5 feet with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Be able to attend class every day on time.
• Not have convictions for certain violent or sexually exploitive crimes. Information about criminal convictions will be used to provide more effective job placement and other services.
• Pass a pre-admission drug test and random tests during training.

Meet Some of Our Students and Alumni

THANK YOU TO OUR SIGNATURE SPONSORS
($10,000+ July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)

NINA PLETCHER

The Food Bank of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with Disabilities.