Montgomery County nonprofit launches new Culinary Skills Training Program

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – Starting March 11, four students will begin the Culinary Skills Training Program at Shepherd’s Table in Silver Spring.

The nonprofit is providing student with essential skills to excel in the kitchen and in life.

“We figured why not take what we do best and teach it to our clients,” Shepherd’s Table director of meals, Christina Moore said. “Give them a skill that they can take out into the world and get a job and get a career.”

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Moore said students will go through 12 weeks of hands-on culinary training.

“How to prepare vegetables,” she said. “Starches and how to make mother sauces. The knife cuts.”

They’ll also learn life skills in the classroom.

“Teach them budgeting,” Moore said. “Job readiness, stress management. Things like that so that they can continue to be successful in their careers long after they’ve graduated the program.”

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She said the program is a project she’s passionate about because cooking has opened many doors for her. She’s hoping this program will do the same for her students.

“Cooking saved my life,” Moore continued. “I was homeless at one point and it just really saved me. I was doing drugs, and I came to Shepherd’s because I wanted a better life for myself.”

Following the 12-week training, students in the Culinary Skills Training Program will then do a four-week externship at local restaurants.

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