May 16, 2017
Culinary training program meant to be for soon-to-be graduate
Lenny McClain doesn’t believe that luck helped land him a spot at The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware. It was meant to be. After serving an almost 13-year prison stint in Pennsylvania, Lenny was released and given permission to move to Middletown to stay with family. “When I came out here, I knew it…
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May 9, 2017
Shake Shack jump starts Newark culinary student’s career
Since opening at the Christiana Fashion Center in December 2016, Shake Shack has aligned itself with the Food Bank of Delaware as a community partner. “Shake Shack is a company that really enjoys getting out and building a better community,” says Manager Rob Hansley. Five-percent of sales from the New Castle Concrete, a frozen custard…
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May 3, 2017
Culinary training opens new doors
Kelly Long is no stranger to a commercial kitchen. This Lewes resident had been working as a dishwasher in a resort-area restaurant when her hours were cut. So she went to the state Social Services office to apply for benefits – known as food stamps -through the state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Her social…
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May 1, 2017
Culinary school impacts students’ lives in the best ways possible
Nelson Porto is all smiles these days. Yes, he’s working long hours, but there’s a huge pay off . . . financially, emotionally, mentally. He’s doing something he loves, and he’s earning a decent income. In fact, he is proud to have two jobs: one at The Rookery South and the other at Baywood in…
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April 27, 2017
Culinary student shows it’s never too late to learn
At 54 years old, Nuria McNamara says it’s never too late in life to learn something new. In December, Nuria went to her local social services office to apply for SNAP benefits. While there, she learned about the Delaware WONDER program. Delaware WONDER (Work Opportunity Networks to Develop Employment Readiness) is led by Delaware Health…
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April 21, 2017
Culinary School student finds second chance for success
Darnell Jervey received a culinary certificate from another local culinary training program in early 2016, but admits he didn’t take it seriously. A few bumps in the road led Darnell to Delaware’s Department of Corrections. On work release now, Darnell is committed to turning things around, not only for himself, but his two daughters. He…
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April 18, 2017
Training opens new opportunities for previously unemployed student
The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware is providing Anitra Hughes with employment opportunities that exceeded her expectations. This Seaford resident went to the state Social Services office to apply for food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Her social worker asked if she were interested in a workforce training opportunity…
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April 14, 2017
Culinary student overcomes addiction, looks forward to promising career
The Culinary School is the second chance Brooke Hatfield has been looking for. Life has not always been easy for the mother of four teenage boys. “Life unfortunately had a lot of twists and turns for me…Poor decision making on my part, but also being a young mother,” she admits. She left school early and…
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March 29, 2017
Culinary School Spotlight: Tamika Gary
They say the third time’s the charm, but for Tamika Gary the second time is her charm. Tamika is thankful for a second opportunity to complete her training at The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware. The first time she wasn’t able to finish, but she is committed to completing this go round….
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March 9, 2017
SoDel Concepts Chef Doug Ruley visits Milford culinary class
Guest speaker, Doug Ruley, Vice President and Director of Culinary Operations for SoDel Concepts, shared his expertise with culinary students from our Milford Branch on Tuesday. Chef Doug has earned national recognition for his innovative culinary talents. He worked 10 years for Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in Newark area, then moved to the coastal…
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