Seventeen students graduated from the Food Bank of Delaware’s culinary and warehouse logistics training programs on August 22.
Over 14 weeks, these students gained practical experience in either a commercial kitchen or an industrial warehouse. The programs focused on essential skills like food safety, knife handling, forklift operation, and safety protocols. By the end of the training, the graduates earned certifications and were prepared to take on entry-level roles in their respective fields.
Chef Tim Witcher, owner of Wing Kitchen and Witcher’s Kitchen, delivered the keynote speech. He encouraged the graduates to be intentional with every step they take, whether in the kitchen, in life, or in their new careers.
Logistics graduate Derek Lord shared how the program helped him find direction. These people will help you find your path… I’m proof of that. I started my job two weeks ago, he said.
Culinary graduate Aniqua Jolly found the program when she needed a career change and wanted to learn how to cook healthier meals for her pre-diabetic son. Everyone here made sure we were successful, she said. I never imagined I’d be cooking professionally. Cooking has given me a sense of closeness to my late father.
The programs are free to participants, thanks to corporate sponsors. The Food Bank of Delaware also helps graduates find jobs throughout the state. Participants come from various backgrounds, each with unique career goals.
Logistics graduate Takeil Thomas said the program was a life-changing opportunity. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I came here, but it was a chance to change my life. I didn’t think I’d finish the 14 weeks, but I’m glad I did. I’m in a better position now than when I started.
The logistics graduates were Harold Bissoon, Donte Brown, Chetor Carter, James Freeland, Vonnie Lacey, Derek Lord, Dreama O’Neal, Elijah Rayfield, Anthony Schmidt, and Takeil Thomas.
The culinary graduates were Damonae Backus, Gregory Davis, Chad Hart, Ali Harrington, Aniqua Jolly, Ida Luke, and Cameron Saunders.