Nate knew he needed to do something.
He had dreams of going to culinary school but knew he’d have to work for years to afford even one class. That’s when he learned about Second Harvest Food Bank’s no-cost Culinary Training Program.
"The moment I heard about the program it felt like hope," said Nate. He applied the next day.
The Second Harvest kitchen was nothing like his grandmother’s, where he grew up cooking Honduran food. He started coming in early every day and staying late, taking every opportunity to practice his knife skills and use the professional equipment. He had a hunger for learning.
"My grandma gave me a passion for cooking, but now I understand the craft behind it."
Nate’s dedication paid off. After graduation, he accepted a job at an assisted living community where he prepares hot meals for residents daily.
The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time, sustainable career in the food industry. To learn more about or apply for the program, click here.