Our culinary program is the heart of Recipe for Change. What started in 2014 as live cooking demonstrations has grown into a full workforce development program with formal instruction, industry certifications, and a pathway to employment.
Students learn professional knife skills, kitchen sanitation, nutrition, food preparation techniques, and high-volume cooking through hands-on instruction led by Chef Bruno Abate and our team of culinary educators. The program runs five days a week and includes both classroom instruction and practical experience in our commercial kitchens inside Division 11 of Cook County Jail.
Men’s Culinary
Education
The men's culinary education program is an 8-week curriculum focused on nutrition, sanitation, and basic culinary skills. Students learn the benefits of nutritious food and how it can improve quality of life. Students can earn two food safety training certificates: the ServSafe Food Handler and the ServSafe Manager, both critical in furthering employment opportunities upon reentry. Each day, students have a lunch lesson where they learn new recipes, plating techniques, and enjoy a homemade meal together.
Women’s Culinary
Education
The women's program focuses on the holistic growth of female participants to support their success upon release. The program provides culinary instruction and ServSafe certification as well as programming focused on physical and mental health. Each day the students prepare a healthy and nutritious lunch focused on fresh fruits and vegetables. Our women's kitchen is located in a unique space and offers the opportunity for special programming such as guest chef demonstrations.
What Students Earn
ServSafe Food Handler Certification — recognized by food industry employers nationwide.
ServSafe Manager Certification — an advanced credential for kitchen leadership roles.
Practical skills in food preparation, recipe execution, kitchen management, and teamwork.
Confidence and discipline that translate to any workplace.
Hands-on internship experience in our pizza kitchen, producing over 1,600 handmade pizzas weekly.