A new chapter has begun for the Foodlink Career Fellowship.

Andrew, Brandi, Eric, Gerquan, Javia, Jimmy, Jojo, Tyeasha and Wayne began their journey last week toward successful careers in the regional food industry. Orientation was held July 26, when the Fellows learned the basics of the program and got to know one another. On July 27, they began work inside the Foodlink Community Kitchen, preparing meals for the Summer Meals program.

The second class began just about a month after the inaugural class graduated. This new group will go through a similar curriculum, however, this year each participant is considered an apprentice. The program earned recognition in early 2019 as a New York State Registered Apprenticeship Training program.

Funding for the Class of 2020 was made possible by the William and Sheila Konar Foundation, which also awarded Foodlink a significant grant for the launch of the program a year ago. Check out some photos from orientation and the first day on the job!