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Empowering the community for a brighter future through food and education.

WHO WE ARE

What differentiates our program from typical culinary arts job training programs is that participants learn about various aspects of the restaurant industry including but not limited to: customer service, networking, the importance of inclusivity, pursuing economic opportunities, and ultimately enhancing their earnings potential through professional skillset development in the areas of emotional intelligence, leadership and accountability.

Our program curriculum focuses on three key tenets:

  1. Foodservice training

  2. Work readiness skills training

  3. Feeding the community

ABOUT US

Feeding the Future, The Davenport Community Development Corporation and our other community partners, established strategic alliances to launch the Feeding The Future Workforce Development & Entrepreneurial Program in January 2022. The program is led by experts that have at least 50+ years of experience in the restaurant industry. 

The multi-faceted curriculum of this program aims to address socioeconomic disparities that exist amongst underserved communities located in the City of Chicago by providing training in the areas of food safety, culinary arts skills, community engagement, professional leadership development, information technology integration and nationally recognized food sanitation management and workplace safety certifications. 

Upon successful completion of the program, all participants will have the opportunity to secure livable wage employment.  Also, program participants that demonstrate the necessary competencies to pursue mid-level careers and entrepreneurial opportunities will be linked up with mentors that will further assist them with making their restaurant management and ownership dreams an attainable reality. 

FOOD SERVICE TRAINING

Our program plans to address the need for skilled, trained kitchen staff in Chicago’s restaurants and food service companies. This will help combat the high unemployment rates among young adults in Chicago through efficient skills training. One by one, we can build a stronger community. 

Program trainees will learn transformational food service skills and instruction to secure sustainable employment. For example, trainees will receive hands-on culinary practice, insight into how a professional kitchen operates, and knowledge of culinary fundamentals, kitchen math, and modern banquet cookery.

Trainees will also graduate with the critical knowledge and foundation of Food Safety. All participants, as a graduation requirement, will end the program certified by nationally-recognized ServSafe as a Certified Manager.

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Our Three-Pronged Training Approach

  • Experiential Learning
    Students gain hands-on, back-of-house, and front-of-house skills.

  •  Classroom Instruction
    Culinary, food safety, and work skills curriculum.

  • Social Skills
    Students participate in professional skills training and receive technical certifications to be job-ready upon graduation. 

FOOD SERVICE TRAINING

WORK READINESS SKILLS TRAINING

Classes are very interactive and include two different teaching styles, hybrid and facilitated. These types of teaching give the opportunity for the students to interact with each other, to be engaged, and to feel comfortable with their skills. Through these teaching styles, confidence is built within the students that they are obtaining the appropriate skills to transfer into the workforce.

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  • Professionalism

  • Resume Development

  • Customer Service

  • Diversity and Inclusion

  • Networking

  • Mock Interviews

  • Work Ethics

  • Basic Computer Skills

  • Communications

  • Financial Management

  • Wellness & Stress Management

  • Time Management

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Details:

  • Job Readiness Training: 4 Weeks 

  • Work Experience: 20-30 hours per week

  • Average class size: 10 participants

  • We provide: 

    • Uniforms

    • Case Management

    • Assistance with job search and placement services

    • Post-employment mentorship

Program Requirements:

  • Pass a Criminal Background Check 

  • At least 18 years of age 

  • Ability to stand for long durations 

  • Negative drug screen 

  • Demonstrate Appropriate Math and Reading Level(s)- Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) Assessment or Bronze level or higher WorkKeys

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Email: impact@feedingthefuture.org • Phone: 312.600.7184 • Address: 5245 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60615

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