Eleven students from The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware successfully completed the 14-week culinary arts training program and will start on a new career path.
The graduates are: Oliver Bowers, James Bungy, Leathia Cooper, Malyka Demby, Ponuriareen Enoch, David Faison, Michael Risbrook, Gennie Tolliver, Joshua Trainer, Tanquia Watson and Otis West.
Stone Balloon Ale House Executive Chef Robbie Jester, who recently appeared on the Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, served as keynote speaker for the event.
“Let go of the past and the negative people in your life,” advised Jester. “They don’t define you.”
Graduates have spent the past 14 weeks developing their skills in the culinary arts with Chef Instructors Tom Craft and Donnie Stephens. Three-hundred hours of culinary training focused on ServSafe® food sanitation skills, advanced knife skills, moist and dry heat cooking techniques, introduction to baking, international cooking and more.
In addition to learning hands-on skills in the Food Bank’s industrial-sized kitchen, the students also attended food shows, enjoyed guest chef demonstrations on pasta and pizza making, went on local field trips, catered special events and more.
Students completed two-week internships at Deerfield, Drip Café, Two Stones Pub in Newark and North Wilmington, Ingleside Assisted Living, Del Pez, Newark Natural Foods, Market Street Bread and Bagel, Stone Balloon Ale House, Argilla Brewing Company and Pizza, Hartefeld National Golf Club, 2 Fat Guys and Chelsea Tavern.
Graduate Josh Trainer told the audience of 100-plus, “This program has changed my life. I am going to take this and shoot for the stars.”
Otis West received the class’ highest GPA award and plans to continue his culinary studies at Delaware Technical and Community College.
Food Bank of Delaware CEO Patricia Beebe praised the students for their commitment to the training program.
“Workforce development is important to us at the Food Bank of Delaware,” said Beebe. “We know that in order to achieve our vision of a community free of hunger, Delawareans need training opportunities that will lead to sustainable employment and income. We are so proud of today’s graduates. Our program is a lot of hard work. Not everyone makes it. These students are the successful ones. They are all now ready to start their careers in Delaware’s food service industry.”
