Second Harvest Food Bank Launches ‘Career Pathways’ Program, Expanding Workforce Training Beyond Culinary Industry

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK LAUNCHES ‘CAREER PATHWAYS’ PROGRAM, EXPANDING WORKFORCE TRAINING BEYOND CULINARY INDUSTRY

New Model Introduces Customer Service Track, Enhancing Access to Employment

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 20, 2026) – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is expanding its efforts to address a root cause of hunger with the launch of Career Pathways, an enhanced workforce training program designed to better prepare and connect more job seekers with in-demand careers, reducing the number of people who need food assistance.

Building on the success of its long-running Culinary Training Program, Career Pathways introduces a second professional track focused on customer service – broadening access to employment opportunities across multiple industries.

The newly structured program prepares participants for employment through skills training, career readiness support, and direct connections with local employers. Each cohort includes foundational workplace skills such as time management, teamwork and communication, financial literacy and conflict resolution. The culinary track will continue to offer hands-on, specialized training in a commercial kitchen.

“Career Pathways reflects how we’re evolving to meet both our neighbors’ needs and the realities of today’s shifting job market,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “Not every job seeker is pursuing a career in culinary, but everyone deserves access to meaningful work. By expanding beyond a single industry, we can meet people where they are and connect more individuals to quality employment opportunities while helping them build the skills and confidence needed for long-term stability.”

Applications for Career Pathways are now open; the first customer service cohort begins on July 7. The next culinary cohort begins on August 3. For more information or to apply, visit
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