FLORENCE – The Shoals Culinary Academy graduated 16 participants of the 2nd session of the FOOD Team program today. In this program, students participated in a hands-on culinary experience designed to teach the fundamentals of food service to prepare them for careers in a culinary environment.
The FOOD Team (Food Occupational Opportunity Development Through Enrichment And Mentoring) is specifically designed for marginalized adults, ages 18 and over, who have an interest in a career in food or food service. Program graduates are equipped with culinary skills and other job skills that could provide opportunities for a new culinary career.
The FOOD Team program is a partnership between the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center’s Culinary Complex and Northwest-Shoals Community College. Instruction includes knife skills and various other cooking techniques, resume building, food safety and sanitation, etc. Students were also given the National Restaurant Association’s Serv-Safe certification exam.
Chef Kevin Kilburn
Professional Chef Kevin Kilburn led the classes, which included approximately 25% lecture and 75% hands-on work in the kitchen. Classes met on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for 16 weeks.
The program is funded through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is designed so that program participants can be placed with an employer in the food industry and encouraged to continue their culinary education.
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Congratulations to the graduates,
Jessica Barnes
Gabriel Bearden
Myron Houston
Matthew Collins
Emma Zills
Seth Mier
Rashard Campbell
Doug Shirley
Josh Clement
Chequetta Shaw
Cynthia Watson
Anthony McGill
Contributors: Sheri Wiggins (photography) and Lee Troup.
1 comment
Congratulations Matthew