Community Kitchen Academy

Are you interested in a new career in the food service industry? At Community Kitchen Academy (CKA) you’ll learn from professional chefs in modern commercial kitchens and graduate with the skills and knowledge to work in the field of food service. Throughout the nine-week course, you’ll develop and apply new skills by preparing food that would otherwise be wasted from grocery stores, restaurants, farms and food service companies. The food you cook is then distributed through food shelves and meal sites throughout the community. CKA features:

  • Hands on learning
  • National ServSafe Certification
  • Job placement support
  • Tuition and financial assistance for income eligible students
  • Two locations: Barre and Burlington
  • Connections to community and resources

Ready To Apply?

2023/24 Session Dates

Sessions Run For Nine Weeks In Barre & Burlington

2023/24 Session Dates

Class Schedule Burlington

October 16 – December 15

January 22 – March 22

April 15 – June 14

Class Schedule Barre

November 13 – January 19

February 26 – April 26

July 29 – September 26

Does CKA Get Results?

Success. Well Done.

Since 2009, more than 271 students have graduated from CKA, having produced and distributed more than 500,000 meal servings. Ninety-one percent of graduates have been successful in finding employment in the culinary industry.

What Does CKA Look Like?

Do you have questions and want to connect with us? Contact Ruby Bertola at rbertola@vtfoodbank.org.

Community Kitchen Academy is a statewide program of the Vermont Foodbank that has been in operation since 2009 in partnership with the Feeding Chittenden in Burlington, VT and since 2013 with Capstone Community Action in Barre, VT. This program is made possible through the generous support of Wells Fargo, the Lucy D. Nisbet Charitable Fund, Catalyst Kitchens, Fanny Allen Corporation, Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation, Hoehl Family Foundation, and the Vermont Department of Labor.