Empowering Careers: Reaching Culinary Goals with Easterseals & Food Bank of Delaware

For Kristen and Shalanda, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook. It’s where they’ve discovered a passion and an opportunity to grow in their careers. Thanks to the collaboration between Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Food Bank of Delaware, both women were able to expand their skills, build on their strengths, and take a step toward achieving their career goals in the culinary world.

Kristen, who works at Harris Teeter Supermarkets, and Shalanda, a team member at Grotto Pizza, both have the support of Easterseals through its Supported Employment Services. They each knew that they wanted to advance in their careers, but they needed an opportunity to learn more -- especially in the culinary field. That’s where the Food Bank of Delaware’s Kitchen School Program stepped in.

The Kitchen School Program is designed to equip adults with disabilities with the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the food service and hospitality industries. The 12-week, hands-on training program offers real-world experience in food preparation, kitchen management, and food safety, all taught in a supportive, structured environment.

For Kristen, the program was about more than just learning new culinary skills -- it was about fulfilling a personal dream. “I wanted to learn to cook better so I can help my mom in the kitchen,” she explained. But Kristen also had a bigger goal in mind: “I hope to work in the bakery at Harris Teeter and eventually in a school cafeteria.” Her hard work and dedication paid off when she graduated from the Kitchen School, feeling nothing short of triumphant. “I feel amazing!” she said, reflecting on her accomplishment.

Shalanda, too, had big dreams of advancing in her career. Before the program, she worked in a supportive role at Grotto Pizza. But through the Kitchen School, she discovered a newfound passion for cooking. “My favorite part of the training was learning new recipes,” Shalanda said. Now, thanks to the skills she has acquired, she hopes to transition into a kitchen role at Grotto Pizza, furthering her career in the food service industry. “I’m proud of myself for graduating,” she shared.

The partnership between Easterseals and the Food Bank of Delaware was key to helping these women reach their goals. Easterseals not only provides ongoing job support for individuals with disabilities but also works closely with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure that participants like Kristen and Shalanda have access to specialized training that can help them advance in their careers.

“At Easterseals, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said Jane Schuler, Director of Employment Services. “Our partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware is a perfect example of how we can work together to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to succeed.”

Kristen and Shalanda were able to continue working while participating in the training program. This unique opportunity allowed them to gain valuable job skills without disrupting their current employment, which is a critical part of Easterseals' commitment to providing long-term success for individuals with disabilities.

“We are honored to play a role in Shalanda and Kristen’s journey,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “Our culinary training program is designed to remove barriers, build skills, and create real pathways to employment—and seeing these graduates succeed in the workplace is incredibly rewarding.”  

Easterseals’ Supported Employment Services are designed to help businesses hire and retain employees with disabilities by offering individualized support, training, and coaching. Whether in individual or group settings, the program helps participants gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their jobs.