Food Jobs Work is expanding to Pine Bluff with $10,000 grant | Pine Bluff Commercial News

Food Jobs Work Inc. of Little Rock will get its wish of expanding the nonprofit organization’s culinary training programs for underemployed adults to the city of Pine Bluff thanks to the KFC Foundation, which has awarded a $10,000 grant to help launch the project.

The presentation was made April 2 at Opportunity House (formerly the First Ward Elementary School) in Pine Bluff.

Food Jobs Work’s 10-week program immerses adults from all backgrounds into the culinary arts, blended with an intensive life skills program that works to chip away any self-limiting behaviors or beliefs holding them back, according to a news release.

The program includes knife skills, sanitation, customer service, food production and catering skills, as well as a ServSafe certification in food safety. The program also includes a “Restaurant Ready” certification from the National Restaurant Association.

“We are deeply grateful to the KFC Foundation for this Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will help us purchase the needed equipment to train tomorrow’s cooks and chefs for the city of Pine Bluff and reduce poverty and recidivism at the same time,” said Christie Ison, executive director of Food Jobs Work.

Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites nonprofit organizations to apply for grants to fund a capacity-building project that will make a lasting impact for their organization and community, according to the release.

“We’re thrilled to support such incredible nonprofits like Food Jobs Work through Kentucky Fried Wishes,” said Emma Horn, executive director of the KFC Foundation. “These grants help make dream projects a reality, strengthening organizations and creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.”

The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education, financial and hardship assistance for KFC restaurant employees and a food donation program to fight hunger and food waste.

The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program in which KFC franchisees donate to the foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries.

The next grant cycle for Kentucky Fried Wishes will focus on improving health and wellbeing, with applications being accepted now through April 18. Nonprofit organizations seeking funding for a project can learn more and apply for a grant at kfcfoundation.org/wishes.