Culinary Academy                                                        

Fact Sheet
Community Kitchen

Program Overview
Community Kitchen offers training in culinary skills at the Keegan Center through preparation of nutritionally-balanced meals for Kids Cafe and a variety of nonprofit organizations.

As we move forward, this program will be integrated with the Houston Food Bank’s Serving for Success program; helping Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisoners and other individuals become self sufficient.

During the Course

• Students receive hands-on instruction in food preparation and sanitation, as well as learn lifelong skills for employment.
• Professional development in the program focuses on resume writing, goal setting, and interviewing skills for success in the culinary arts.
• Students perfect their skills by preparing meals for hungry adults and children in our community, including the Houston Food Bank’s Kids Cafe program.
• Participants also have the opportunity to become ServSafe Certified.

Houston Food Bank’s Community Kitchen is part of a national foodservice program through Feeding America, certified in the ServSafe Food Sanitation Management course, accredited by the National Restaurant Association.

Kitchen Facts

• Food used in the kitchen is donated and purchased
• The kitchen operates six days a week
• Collectively the Food Bank’s chefs have almost 50 years of experience

Getting involved
Community Kitchen needs volunteers; contact Volunteer Services at 832-369-9380. Volunteers can plate, pack and prepare orders. Kids ages 8 and up are welcomed. We can also accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Volunteer hours:
Monday – Friday:
Two shifts, 20 people max
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Contact:
Ann Svendsen Sanchez
Director of Nutrition Services
713-547-8663
asanchez@houstonfoodbank.org 

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