Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and gender-expansive individuals in the food industry for the past 15 years, has introduced a new five-week culinary training program specifically designed for new immigrants. This initiative, called the Culinary Career Pathways for New New Yorkers program, aims to equip migrants with culinary skills and provide them with access to professional opportunities in the food sector. Participants receive a MetroCard and a weekly stipend to support their involvement.
The program features bilingual instructors and successful alumni like Kandy Williams, who brings valuable industry experience to the training sessions. Leslie Abbey, CEO of Hot Bread Kitchen, highlighted the significant opportunities in New York City’s food industry, where a talent shortage exists. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that 40,000 jobs are available for migrants, with many positions in food services.
“The members who join our program are passionate about food,” Abbey explained. “Some dream of making a career out of cooking, and we’re the only organization offering this type of program specifically for migrants and asylum-seekers in this industry.”
Since April 2022, approximately 180,000 migrants have arrived in New York City, with around 65,000 still under the city’s care. Recognizing the abundance of opportunities in the food industry, Hot Bread Kitchen has partnered with various organizations, including New Women New Yorkers, Jackson Heights Immigrant Center, Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, and Mixteca Organization. Together, they provide a culinary arts workforce development program aimed at helping migrants achieve economic stability.
The program also addresses several challenges faced by participants, such as food insecurity, housing, and child care. In addition to job training, Hot Bread Kitchen offers services like child care, housing assistance, financial coaching, English language instruction, and support to access public benefits. Participants can even cook their own meals before heading home.
Sandra, a participant in the Culinary Career Pathways for New New Yorkers program, shared her enthusiasm: “Cooking has been my life since I was little. It’s a passion and innovation for me. This kitchen isn’t ‘MasterChef’ in Colombia, but it inspires me. I’ve learned a lot about safety, proper techniques, and teamwork.”
The program’s first cohort had about 250 applicants, and 16 members were selected. Graduates are expected to secure entry-level jobs in the industry, earning around $18 per hour. Abbey expressed pride in the program’s impact: “I feel privileged to be part of the solution for migrants and asylum-seekers in New York City. The excitement has only grown since we started, and we’re eager to begin cohort No. 2.”
Hot Bread Kitchen plans to launch its second cohort soon and aims to complete two additional cohorts before the year’s end, bolstering opportunities for immigrants to thrive in New York City’s vibrant food scene.