FoodWorks Culinary Training Program | Maryland Food Bank

FoodWorks Culinary Training Program

Feed Your Dreams

Since 2010, FoodWorks has been changing Maryland for the better, one chef at a time.
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What is the FoodWorks Culinary Training Program?

The FoodWorks program offers a fresh start to low-income individuals with 12 weeks of intense culinary training. FoodWorks students learn both professional and intra-personal skills, producing well-rounded chefs capable of making an impact in any culinary setting.

Located at Maryland Food Bank headquarters, the program training takes place in the Charles T. Bauer Community Kitchen, a state-of-the-art culinary facility opened in 2010. Over the course of three months, Maryland Food Bank’s Executive Chef guides students through a curriculum that includes fundamental culinary techniques, nutrition, menu planning, and job-seeking skills.

FoodWorks on the Eastern Shore

In March 2022, MFB and Wor-Wic Community College joined forces to launch a satellite location of this workforce development program in Salisbury, Maryland.

This site expands the culinary program’s reach east of the Bay Bridge and brings life-changing culinary training opportunities to residents in Salisbury and surrounding communities.

“As a Food Works student, I was given the opportunity to not only hone in on my skills, but also give back to the community, and feed hungry Marylanders,” said Chef Christina Wanner, FoodWorks Class 27 graduate. “As a culinary arts instructor, I’ve empowered others to use their voice without using words at all – by putting their all on the plate. I remind students and myself each day to remain positive, trust the process, and focus on the long-term goal.”

Giving That Gives Back

While FoodWorks students develop culinary job skills, they also get:

  • 12 weeks professional training – Students learn basic cooking techniques, discipline in the workplace, and professionalism.
  • ServSafe® certification – This certificate confirms to prospective employers that the graduates are experts in food safety.
  • Job placement – The food bank helps find full-time employment for graduates, who earn well above the current minimum wage.

Program staff has helped FoodWorks graduates land jobs at leading venues in the region’s hotel and restaurant industry. The Maryland Food Bank also proudly hires some graduates as program mentors and kitchen staff!

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FoodWorks graduates have been hired at top kitchens such as Horseshoe Casino, Compass group, Woodberry Kitchen, SEED School, and BCPS.

The Recipe for a Successful Career

Change someone’s life by completing the FoodWorks program referral form.

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Learn More About the FoodWorks Program

If you’d like to attend one of our upcoming information sessions or learn more about the program directly from our program coordinator, please email foodworks@mdfoodbank.org or call (410) 737-8282 ext. 231.

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