CFCC and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s collaborative Culinary Foundation course graduates first class

Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina are excited to announce the graduating class of the Culinary Fundamentals course. Five graduates have completed the ten-week course and are now trained with the skills and techniques necessary for a successful career in the food industry.

CFCC and the Food Bank partnered to train unemployed, underemployed, justice-involved, and/or food-insecure individuals to provide them an opportunity to learn the skills and techniques needed to work in a commercial kitchen. Each student received a scholarship to cover the total cost of all registration and fees for the course, their uniform, and a knife kit. In addition, participants received a monthly stipend and a food box containing fresh produce and shelf-stable non-perishables.

Bobby, a program graduate, found the program to be a way to broaden his skills to adapt to the culinary field.

“During the 10-week course, I learned a lot about what goes into working in a commercial kitchen environment. I also developed amazing friendships with the instructors and the staff at the Food Bank.”

Another course graduate, Clarence Pulley, was excited to expand his skill set and techniques to improve his ability to give back to the community and pursue his dream of starting a food cart.

“This course has taught me a lot and improved my knife skills, prepping, and ability to work as a team,” said Pulley. “I’ve always put my heart into cooking and love sharing my food with others. I cook for my two little girls and volunteer in the community by helping a youth summer program with cookouts and a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless.”

Starting this summer, CFCC will provide a culinary foundations course with daytime and evening options in collaboration with the Food Bank. The daytime session will begin on May 15 and occur every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., concluding on July 31. The evening sessions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. from June 24 to September 18. Participants interested in enrolling can contact Samantha McLeod, CFCC Workforce Training Coordinator, at slmcleod115@cfcc.edu .