RI Food Bank's Community Kitchen Accepting Applicants for Summer

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RI Food Bank's Community Kitchen Accepting Applicants for Summer

Estelle Barada, who graduated from "Class 52" of Community Kitchen in March 2014.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is now accepting applications for the summer session of its Community Kitchen Program.

This initiative is a free culinary job training program for low-income and unemployed adults 18 years and older. The next session begins June 30.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a non-profit organization located in Providence, RI. The Food Bank solicits, stores and distributes food products donated by supermarkets, wholesalers, food processors, local farmers and community food drives. For more information about the Food Bank, please visit www.rifoodbank.org.

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Community Kitchen

Community Kitchen is a full-time 14-week program that prepares for entry-level jobs in the restaurant and food service industry. Students are trained in basic cooking skills as well as various aspects of food service operations, knife usage and care, kitchen safety and first aid.

"The Community Kitchen is a lot more than just a culinary program. It teaches work and life skills to help people succeed in the work place. The program provides on the job training and helps with job placements," said Cindy Elder, Director of Communications for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

“Our participants become a member of the food bank family, and many come back to volunteer," continued Elder.

Students participate in unpaid internships to expand their skills and help prepare them for permanent employment.

Internship opportunities are available at restaurants, corporate food kitchens, assisted living and nursing homes for seniors, catering companies and university and hotel kitchens. Past internship locations include the Crowne Plaza, Cactus Grille, Dave's Marketplace, RISD, Citizens Bank and Bank of America.

Students will be educated in ServSafe procedures, First Aid and “life skills” such as interviewing and conflict resolution. Graduates of the program receive a certificate for completing 400 hours of training. Internships and assistance in job placement are provided.

Community Kitchen students play a role in preparing daily meals for Kids Cafe meal sites at local Boys and Girls Clubs and community recreation centers. More than 600 children receive an evening meal through Kids Cafe.

To submit your application online, visit www.rifoodbank.org/CommunityKitchen. You may also contact the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at 401-230-1713 or stop by their facility at 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, to pick up an application.


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