Things are heating up in the kitchen! We would first like to congratulate the 22nd graduating class of the Culinary Job Training Program. They have put in a significant amount of time and energy producing meals for agencies of the NH Food Bank, as well as preparing meals for our Summer Feeding program.

As a sponsor of the USDA Summer Food Service Program, the Culinary Job Training Program provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session. In just one week, our students prepared over 2,000 meals to be served at elementary and middle schools in Belmont, NH and the Boys and Girls Club in Manchester, NH. This was a tremendous amount of work in addition to the regular production schedule, but well worth the effort to give back to children in the state.

The Culinary Job Training Program is an eight-week course designed for unemployed or underemployed individuals pursuing careers in the culinary industry. Students learn the fundamentals of working in a commercial kitchen through hands on experience and ServSafe coursework. Each student takes the ServSafe Manager's Certification exam, gains experience catering events, and serves thousands of community members through registered agencies of the NH Food Bank.

If you know anyone interested in applying for an upcoming class series, contact Emily Anderson, Recipe for Success Administrative Assistant, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 603.669.9725 ext. 147. To arrange a tour of our facility, meet the staff of the program, and learn more about how we can be a resource for your establishment contact Helen Costello, Program Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Chef Jayson McCarter at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 603.669.9725 ext. 145.

Cooking Matters®

We would like to extend a gracious thank you to all of the volunteers and staff members that made our first Cooking Matters Volunteer Appreciation Mixer a huge success! We were thrilled to share our appreciation with the volunteer culinary and nutrition professionals, as well as class support volunteers that make Cooking Matters possible. It was a fun, memorable evening with delicious refreshments, door prizes, and the opportunity to network with fellow volunteers. A special thanks to the potential new volunteers that attended! We look forward to working with you in the future.

Cooking Matters, a program of Share Our Strength, and locally hosted at the New Hampshire Food Bank, empowers families with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to prepare healthy and affordable meals. Our volunteers take a hands-on approach to educate those at risk of hunger and malnutrition about how to make better choices about the foods they eat. Results are not only seen in the classroom, but in the simple changes adults, children, and families make to lead healthier lives. For more information about how to get involved, contact Becca Story,

Becca Story MS RD LD

Cooking Matters® Coordinator

603.669.9725 X 130