Graduation for Grace’s Kids Cafe Community Kitchen 44th and 45th Culinary Arts Classes

On February 10th, 13 graduates were honored at a ceremony at America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.  The graduates are members of the 44th and 45th classes who have completed the 18 week culinary job training program offered at Second Harvest, under the instruction of Chef Floyd Jackson and Iris Holmes-McCraw.

In addition to preparing over 2,500 meals each day for the 43 Kids Cafe sites, the graduates prepared for their ServSafe certification which ensures safe food-handling procedures, with 9 of the graduates receiving their certification.

Above, graduate Ricky Andrews delivers a poem he wrote entitled "Hold on to Your Dreams" which was inspiring and encouraging not only to his fellow graduates but to all in attendance.

Guest speaker, Tim Rutherford, who is columnist for Connect Savannah, shared his wisdom about the culinary arts industry.  Rutherford contributes regularly to magazines ranging from Food Network magazine to Delta Sky. His weekly e-mail newsletter, Savannahfoodie Tastings, circulates weekly to nearly 6,000 subscribers and he recently joined Wright Square Cafe in Sandfly as general manager.

Congratulations to all of the graduates, their families, and the staff at America's Second Harvest for continuing this incredible program that supports and empowers our community in countless ways.