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The Daily Platter
The Community Kitchen is a life skills and food service training program for those with barriers to employment. Students gain the skills to get jobs offering livable wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement through hands-on food service training as well as classroom studies. During the past decade, the Community Kitchen has provided thousands of meals to those in need, while transforming the lives of countless participants and families.
New sessions start every first Monday of the month. In addition to training, each student receives job-placement assistance and support following graduation.
You are eligible to become a Community Kitchen student if you are:
By Fax or in Person: Review qualifications listed above. If you meet the qualifications, click here to print a student application. Fax completed application to (480) 287-8728 or bring it to our office at 3003 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85009.
By Online Application: Review qualifications listed above. If you meet the qualifications, click here to submit a student application online.
For more information or assistance on your application please contact us at communitykitchen@firstfoodbank.org or 602.343.3183.
Why does this program exist?
To empower homeless, disadvantaged individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency through job training, personal development and employment in the foodservice industry.
What skill level do students have after completing the program?
Students receive a 16-week condensed program with a combination of classroom and practical learning. When students fully participate and practice the skills they learn, they will be qualified for a prep or line cook position.
What is the average hourly wage earned by the graduates?
The wages vary depending on each student’s attitude, skills and abilities. Most graduates start out earning $8-$10 per hour.
Do students have to pay for this training?
Thanks to generous community donors, the program is offered at no cost to people who need assistance and are looking for a positive life change.
What are enrollment requirements?
Students must be 16 years or older, drug-free, low-income, have the legal and physical abilities to work full-time, and demonstrate the willingness and desire to complete the program.
What is the average class size?
Class size is 20 students per sessions with new sessions starting every first Monday of the month.
Does the program provide housing for students during the training?
Housing is not offered as part of the program; however, students can be referred to agencies that do offer these types of services.
How do people find out about the Community Kitchen?
The majority of students learn of the Community Kitchen program from other social service agencies where they are already receiving assistance.
Where are classes held?
The training is conducted at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in the University of Phoenix Center. The physical address is:
3003 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009. (This is our only location.)
What is the enrollment process?
All individuals interested in attending Community Kitchen need to complete the following:
1. Submit an application.
2. Attend a one-hour informational meeting at 3003 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. (Information sessions are held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.)
3. In-person interviews are scheduled for each qualified applicant, at which time individuals are selected to participate or denied admission.
For more detailed information, call our information line at (602) 343-5622.
The Community Kitchen program works closely with local foodservice establishments to provide employment for program graduates. The Community Kitchen thrives with the involvement of our community.
There are many social and practical reasons to hire a Community Kitchen Graduate.
Make that decision to work with us so that together we may have a positive impact on changing lives in the community. It’s people like you that can make a difference. Contact us at communitykitchen@firstfoodbank.org or (602) 343-3185 to volunteer or become a sponsor or internship partner.
Thanks to generous volunteers within the community, the Community Kitchen program has trained students and changed lives. Volunteers share their experience, knowledge and know-how with our students, offering them advice, guidance and support.
The Community Kitchen invites workshop providers to present to classes based on their area of expertise. Past classes include topics such as self-esteem, team-building, conflict resolution, budgeting, and interviewing techniques. Modeling the workplace begins with help from the community and is mirrored by guest instructors and speakers. Contact us at communitykitchen@firstfoodbank.com or (602) 343-3183 to volunteer as a guest instructor or speaker.
