WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Feeding America and Catalyst Kitchens have similar missions, and for the first time, they came together in a National Summit for their members.

  • Both non-profits use food to help break the cycle of poverty, joblessness and hunger.
  • One of their goals is "to provide individuals with technical skills and life skills in a fairly short time and help them find entry level jobs in the food service industry."
  • The summit is being held at the Double Tree Hilton in Winston-Salem and runs until Friday.

Both non-profits use food to help break the cycle of poverty, joblessness and hunger. While they have food banks across the nation, they do more than give away food.

Kim Prendergast is a Feeding America representative and says one of their goals is "to provide individuals with technical skills and life skills in a fairly short time and help them find entry level jobs in the food service industry."

One training program is the Providence Program. It's part of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest N.C. Lakesha Brown, currently a Tier 3 student, says she feels the opportunities are endless for her because of the lessons learned

"A lot of times we get thrown off track in life, and things happen," Brown said. The Providence Program has made her "feel so welcome and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Renee Martin is the director of Catalyst Kitchens. She knows there are many opportunities in other fields but they focus on food because of the amount of chances.

"The big bet is that food service demand is increasing and we believe it's a great second chance employer space," Martin said.

The summit is being held at the Double Tree Hilton in Winston-Salem and runs until Friday.

 

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