Culinary Training

“My worst day here is better than my best day being an executive chef somewhere else” 

Brian Ricci, Chef Instructor Philabundance Community Kitchen 

Watch Chef Brian's story

For Students

To apply, prospective students must attend an in-person or virtual open house, at which they will have the opportunity to hear what Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK) has to offer to individuals looking for a second chance in life or a career in the culinary industry.

OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION

Choose your preferred 10am open house call date.

  • Classes will begin January 6, 2025 • reservation is required for entry!
  • In-person: 11/12, 11/20, 11/26, 12/3 at 10am
  • Please bring a pencil or pen. Attendees should be prepared to take a sixth grade reading and math test. Those who pass will have the opportunity to learn about the next steps for this adult vocational culinary program.
  • Any attendees arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time will be deferred to another open house date.
  • Contact us at PCKRecruitment@philabundance.org 
    or via phone at (215) 770-6569

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Be 18 years or older and qualify as a low- to no-income individual (eligible for, or receiving SNAP benefits)
  • Availability Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM – 3:30 PM for 16-consecutive weeks
  • Display highly-functioning mental capacity, aptitude and attitude
  • Be able to stand and walk (unassisted) for up to eight hours
  • No open legal cases or criminal convictions of a sexual nature 
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Two forms of identification
  • Attend an Open House
  • Complete application
  • No resume is required
  • Two recommendation letters (personal and professional)
  • Entrance exam (sixth grade math and reading assessment)
  • Writing sample
  • Test negative for Tuberculosis

ACF Accreditation

PCK is an ACF (American Culinary Federation) Education Foundation Quality Program, recognizing culinary-and-hospitality-related programs that meet or exceed industry standards for education and training.

Ready to Apply?

contact us

Common Questions

Thanks to our generous donors and grants, PCK is free to all adults who are eligible for SNAP benefits.

The program accepts students with previous convictions, excluding open cases.
PCK provides students with a uniform, materials, books, computer/internet access (at the school) and life/employment coaching services during and after graduation. PCK staff also assist in obtaining successful employment following graduation for up to two years.

PCK requires that all students are dressed daily in the following:

  • Your PCK Chef Coat (will be provided to you)
  • Your PCK baseball style cap (will be provided to you)
  • Solid black loose-fitting pants
  • Solid black rubber sole non-slip shoes
While experience in food service is a plus, students do not need previous food service experience.
Students learn entry-level, hands-on and classroom-based culinary and kitchen operations, including safe food handling, knife skills, meat and poultry fabrication, cooking methods and recipe development.

Typical graduates are hired as prep cooks, cooks and line staff at area restaurants, supermarkets and institutional food service settings such as Temple University, Einstein Hospital, Chickie’s & Pete’s, ShopRite, South Jazz Parlor and the Moshulu.

Successful graduates complete the program with a Manager’s ServSafe Food Handler’s Certificate ($160 value), a certificate of completion and eight college credits transferable to Community College of Philadelphia (towards certificate or Associates in culinary arts.)

for employers

Start a PCK Externship
Students are offered an opportunity for a two-week externship prior to graduation. This is your opportunity to be part of the PCK experience and preview recently trained students who are seeking employment. All externship stipends are paid by Philabundance.

Hire a PCK Graduate
PCK graduates are generally ServSafe Certified and have the added benefit of two years’ worth of assistance for all their post-graduation needs.

Email us to find out more!

STAY INFORMED