Love to cook?

Why not prepare a job in food preparation and cooking with this 12 week career starter program?

FoodWorks: The Maryland Food Bank’s Culinary Training Series

Train for a new career while helping hungry Marylanders in need! This 12-week workforce development program is designed to give students interested in the food service industry on-the-job training experience in the MFB’s Bauer Community Kitchen, a state-of-the-art culinary facility. The unique course teaches an array of cooking techniques, including knife cuts, recipe conversions, and commercial equipment use, as well as food safety and sanitation standards. As part of their real world experience, students will use donated food and locally-grown fresh ingredients to prepare a variety of meals from scratch for MFB Kids Supper Club and Summer Club programs, which are served daily in afterschool and summer enrichment programs.

What do FoodWorks students 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 works to find full-time employment for FoodWorks graduates.
  • A chef’s starter kit – Upon graduation each student receives a set of chef’s whites and a professional-grade knife kit to launch into a new career.
With guidance and support from program staff, FoodWorks graduates have been hired at some of the region’s leading venues in the hotel and restaurant industry. FoodWorks graduates earn an average of $13 per hour—well above the current minimum wage.

Program Location:
Charles T. Bauer Community Kitchen
@Maryland Food Bank
2200 Halethorpe Farms Road
Halethorpe, MD 21227


FoodWorks Courses

HSL 087 - Culinary Fundamentals I

Gain an introduction to professional kitchen standards, professional behavior standards, and work flow. Practice and hone your skills by preparing meals for the Maryland Food Bank's network of partners.

Total Cost: $1,525 (Tuition: $45; Fees: $1,480)

HSL 088 - Culinary Fundamentals II

Gain an introduction to the fundamentals of cooking. Learn to read, understand and apply recipes, execute cooking techniques, apply safe cooking temperatures and hone your production skills by preparing meals for the Maryland Food Bank's network of partners. Students may become Serv Safe® Certified.

Total Cost: $1,525 (Tuition: $45; Fees: $1,480)

HSL 089 - Culinary Fundamentals III

Learn the basics of meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and grains while applying correct flavor development and cooking techniques. Continue to practice your skills by preparing meals for the Maryland Food Bank's network of partners.

Total Cost: $1,525 (Tuition: $45; Fees: $1,480)

HSL 090 - Culinary Job Readiness Training

Gain the necessary job searching, interviewing, and job retention skills needed to gain entry into the food service industry. Communication, goal setting, resume and cover letter writing, and more will be covered.

Total Cost: $665 (Tuition: $45; Fees: $620)

Successful completers will receive a CCBC Certificate of Completion along with a FoodWorks Certificate from the Maryland Food Bank.