The Salvation Army will host a free luncheon prepared by students in The Salvation Army School of Culinary Arts. The event will be held on Monday, June 28, at noon at the Salvation Army located at 800 McCallie Ave.
The School of Culinary Arts instructs local homeless and low income persons in environmentally friendly agriculture, meal preparation and food service. The program culminates with a two-week internship in a local restaurant kitchen.
Students will be considered for full-time employment at a partnering organization upon completion of the internship.
“The students are learning the skills necessary to work in kitchens which prepare daily staples such as hamburgers, as well as, more formal kitchens where complex, multiple course meals are the norm” said Chef Terry Epps. Though the focus is on marketable skills, Chef Epps has noticed additional benefits. “When my students put on their uniforms I see a boost in their confidence. They are uplifted and excited to learn and change their lives.”
“The School is proof that there is hope out there,” said Jasmine, a formerly homeless mother of two small children. “I want to change my life for the better and this program has made that possible.”
At the luncheon Chef Epps will speak about the Culinary School’s program goals as well as successes already realized by the inaugural class. With several weeks of class remaining, Jasmine and another student have already secured full-time employment as well as permanent housing.
For more information about the School of Culinary Arts Luncheon, contact Will Hale at 308-7704 or will_hale@uss.salvationarmy.org. Follow The Chattanooga Salvation Army on Facebook, Twitter, and www.csarmy.org.