WEST ENGLEWOOD — A free program that trains participants for a career in the food service industry will hold three registration events this week, including one in West Englewood.
Registration for the Community Kitchens program, which is operated by the nonprofit Greater Chicago Food Depository, runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday in Brighton Park, 2746 W. 47th St; Wednesday in West Englewood, 1650 W. 63rd St; and Thursday in Back of The Yards, 4521 S. Ashland Ave.
The program provides 14 weeks of training, which includes a two week internship for unemployed or underemployed individuals age 18 and older, said Paul Morello, a spokesman for the food depository.
Classes are held from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays at the food depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, and the next class begins Nov. 3.
"The program prepares students for an entry-level career in the food industry by providing kitchen training and job-skills classes," Morello said. "The goal of the program is to transform the lives of those who have struggled to put food on their table through unemployment or underemployment."
But the program does have some requirements: Students must submit an admission application, take a basic skills test, submit to a drug and alcohol assessment and an interview; have earned a high school diploma or GED; and have a minimum proficiency in math and reading.
Since the program started in 1998, 1,100 people have graduated from it, including 113 last year.
For more information about the program, call 773-843-5414.
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