JPF grantee Root in Salem, MA has a 14-week culinary job training program for individuals between the ages of 16 and 26. Trainees work with a professional chef every day, receive one-on-one job coaching, and complete an externship in a local food business. Root’s mission — to help young adults create a pathway to independence through foodservice training and employment — is helping train the next generation of chefs!

“The Root experience has taught me many valuable kitchen skills and fueled my lifelong passion for cooking. I loved participating in the ‘Chopped Challenges’ where we were given a box of random ingredients and had to make something creative and delicious to eat. I liked the competition, it motivated me to push myself, and when I push myself and succeed I feel good. You can do whatever you put your mind to even if you have barriers, just get it done!”

– Tamara, Trainee in the Root NS Culinary Training Program

(Photo courtesy of Root North Shore)