MEN’S CULINARY EDUCATION
The men’s culinary education program is an 8-week curriculum focused on nutrition, sanitation, and basic culinary skills. Our 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, our students have a lunch lesson where they learn new recipes, plating techniques, and enjoy a homemade meal together.
INSTRUCTOR
Rob Perry
PIZZA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Our pizza internship program is a unique and powerful opportunity for our students. The internship simulates a fast-paced restaurant kitchen providing an invaluable work experience. Participants manage orders, inventory, cooking, delivery, and sanitation. Pizzas are made available to detainees for purchase through the commissary, giving them a more nutritious option that is made fresh daily instead of the processed foods normally offered.
INSTRUCTOR
Adriano Bruzzone & Maurice Jones
WOMEN’S CULINARY EDUCATION
The women's program for Recipe for Change focuses on the holistic growth of the female participants to support their success upon release. The program provides culinary instruction and ServeSafe 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. The students have also catered events and had the pleasure of hosting the governor's wife and lieutenant governor for lunch.
INSTRUCTOR
Rob Perry
MUSIC PROGRAM
The Recipe for Change music program offers students a creative way to express themselves and collaborate with others. We hope to encourage growth in detainees before their release and provide an outlet to relieve stress. Students learn directly from industry professionals about songwriting, theory, the production process, and singing technique. Using what they learn, students write, perform, and produce their own music using high-quality equipment!
INSTRUCTOR
Oliv Blu & Kenneth Clair & Gordon Walters
ART PROGRAM
Our art program gives students the opportunity to hone their talents and express themselves through a visual medium. Many of our students find peace in art, allowing them to forget the stress of jail and think to the future. We have a wide range of options including oil paints, watercolors, charcoal sketching, and calligraphy supplies, so artists of all skill sets can find the mode that inspires them. The art is on display around our space and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Be sure to check out our gallery to see the amazing artworks made by our students over the years.
RFC Food Truck
Why a food truck? A food truck will help Recipe for Change expand our love of fresh meals to across Cook County Jail compound. With your help, Recipe for Change will develop a food truck internship will a three-pronged approach: education, employment, and organizational awareness. Our aspiring female chefs will be given an opportunity to join our internship upon completing our culinary track certifications. Simultaneously, RFC interns and alumni will prepare fresh menu items to be sold on wheels! This food truck will be a potential employment opportunity for RFC alumni who are recently discharged from Cook County jail.
LUNCH FOR CHANGE
Lunch for Change is an opportunity for groups of people to come experience the programming Recipe for Change is offering at Cook County Department of Corrections. Each day, the women in our program learn culinary skills and practice what they learn. We’d like to share their knowledge with you! In partnership with the Recipe for Change staff, the ladies will prepare a menu for lunch at our facility, prepare the meal, and serve it the day of. They will put into practice their classroom and practical training.
