What is the FoodWorks Culinary Training Program?
The FoodWorks program offers a fresh start to low-income individuals with 12 weeks of intense culinary training. FoodWorks students learn both professional and intra-personal skills, producing well-rounded chefs capable of making an impact in any culinary setting.
Located at Maryland Food Bank headquarters, the program training takes place in the Charles T. Bauer Community Kitchen, a state-of-the-art culinary facility opened in 2010. Over the course of three months, Maryland Food Bank’s Executive Chef guides students through a curriculum that includes fundamental culinary techniques, nutrition, menu planning, and job-seeking skills.
FoodWorks on the Eastern Shore
In March 2022, MFB and Wor-Wic Community College joined forces to launch a satellite location of this workforce development program in Salisbury, Maryland.
This site expands the culinary program’s reach east of the Bay Bridge and brings life-changing culinary training opportunities to residents in Salisbury and surrounding communities.
“As a Food Works student, I was given the opportunity to not only hone in on my skills, but also give back to the community, and feed hungry Marylanders,” said Chef Christina Wanner, FoodWorks Class 27 graduate. “As a culinary arts instructor, I’ve empowered others to use their voice without using words at all – by putting their all on the plate. I remind students and myself each day to remain positive, trust the process, and focus on the long-term goal.”
Learn More on the FoodWorks Website
FoodWorks graduates have the unique ability to combine the knife and life skills learned during their 12-week session into a profile desirable in any culinary setting.
I’ve been where the students are. Being a former student at another culinary institution, then getting a job at the same place I was a student at meant a lot to me. I knew that I had an obligation to build up other students and help them in their careers as well.
Executive Chef, Director of Culinary Arts