FOOD Team 1st Graduating Class
photo: Dave Reasons
FLORENCE – The Shoals Culinary Academy will begin the 2nd session of the FOOD Team program on January 15, 2013. In this program, up to 16 students will participate in a hands-on culinary experience designed to teach them 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 at-risk young adults, ages 18-25 that desire to learn or improve their culinary skills and have an interest in a career in food or food service. Upon completion, program graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills that could provide opportunities for a new life through a culinary career.
The FOOD Team program is a partnership between the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center’s Culinary Complex and Northwest Shoals Community College. Instruction will include knife skills and various other cooking techniques, resume building, food safety and sanitation, etc. Students will also be given the National Restaurant Association’s Serv-Safe certification exam. Professional Chef Kevin Kilburn leads the classes, which include approximately 25% lecture and 75% hands-on work in the kitchen. Classes meet on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for 16 weeks.
Chef Kevin Kilburn
Photo: Dave Reasons
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.
Students who are interested in applying for the program can call the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center at (256) 760.9014 or Northwest-Shoals Community College at (256) 331.5200.
Applications for the 16 spots must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 for consideration. Interviews will be conducted for participant selection.
