Cincinnati Cooks! Nourishing Self-Sufficiency

Presented by Tony Lavatori

As the Tri-State area’s largest provider of emergency food for people in crisis, the Freestore Foodbank is well regarded for helping to stave off hunger in our community. But did you know that the Freestore also provides free culinary training for unemployed and underemployed local residents – putting them on a path to self-sufficiency? This presentation shares the story of Cincinnati COOKS!, a 10-week commercial cooking school program that prepares graduates with the skills and self-confidence to succeed in culinary jobs in Greater Cincinnati. Since the program began, graduates have landed employment in more than 200 local culinary institutions, uplifting and transforming their lives.