Food Service Training Academy
Our Food Service Training Academy (FSTA) exemplifies our commitment to addressing the root cause of hunger – poverty – by providing graduates with marketable job skills that can lead to a living wage. It is one of two job training programs at CFBNJ.
This 14-week intensive culinary and life skills program provides students with the foundation for a better life and teaches them about communication, nutrition, and healthy cooking. We started the FSTA in 2000 and have graduated more than 2,500 students with an average job-placement rate exceeding 90 percent.
About Our Culinary Job
Training Program
Students train in a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped commercial kitchen, where they prepare healthy meals for thousands of food-insecure children at our Kids Cafes and Summer Nutrition sites. They support FoodBank events and are placed in internships to gain hands-on experience.
FSTA graduates also earn their ServSafe® Certification by participating in the program. Grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
This program is possible due to support from ADP Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (via Feeding America), Citizens Bank Foundation, Deloitte, Prudential Foundation, Santander Bank, N.A., ShopRite LPGA Classic, Target Corporation, TD Bank Charitable Foundation
“I’m trying to develop myself into a better person than I was before. I loved the experience of being able to feed kids in need. It encourages you to do more for the community.”
-Valerie, FSTA 2023 graduate
CFBNJ Culinary
Program Start Dates
June 10, 2024
October 7, 2024
Apply for FSTA
The Food Service Training Academy (FSTA) application is 44 questions long (mostly multiple choice), including a job history if applicable, and should take between 10-15 minutes to complete.
Contact Our Food Service Training Team
Fill out the form below to inquire about our Food Service Training.