At a time of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, significant investment in climate solutions through food and agricultural system reforms, renewed momentum across multiple social justice movements, and the prioritization of workforce development through upskilling and living wage job creation, school food is being recognized as a key lever at the nexus of multiple priorities.

California became the first state in the country to enact universal school meals. In the same budget, the state has chosen to make significant investments through farm to school grants, school kitchen infrastructure upgrades, climate smart agriculture, workforce development, and many other areas of innovation. School food leaders are a critical link in realizing the potential of these investments.

The Healthy School Food Pathway program supports workforce readiness for California’s Community College students, as well as incumbent and displaced workers, to expand the pipeline for the next generation of school food leaders. From entry-level positions through school food management, these professionals will impact millions of children with greater access to fresh, healthy food. Across 1,037 California public school districts, skilled culinary professionals will support transformative change from within the school food system.

Program Benefits

Check Out the Video Below to Learn More!

Pre-Apprenticeship

The Healthy School Food Pathway program is excited to welcome its second cohort of pre-apprentices in Fall 2022. Pre-Apprentices will be paid $15/hr for the on-the-job-learning (Subject to change based on county minimum wage).

The program lasts 7 weeks and includes:

• 4 School Food Institute courses: 20 hours (4 hours pre-read, 4 hours homework, 12 hours online learning)
• 2 virtual learning sessions: 3 hours (2 sessions, 1.5 hours each)
• On-the-job learning: 84 hours (12 hours a week)

We are now accepting applications until September 9th with a program start date of October 17th.

Apprenticeship

The Healthy School Food Pathway program is excited to welcome its first cohort of apprentices in Fall 2022. Please note that you must complete the pre-apprenticeship to join the apprenticeship. If you fit the requirements, please reach out to the Chef Ann Foundation. Pre-Apprentices will be paid $16/hr for the on-the-job-learning (Subject to change based on county minimum wage).

The program will be over one school year (~9 months) and include:

• 7 School Food Institute courses: 35 hours (7 hours pre-read, 7 hours homework, 21 hours online learning)

• Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) Courses: 64 hours

• 18 virtual learning sessions: 54 hours (1 hour pre-read, 1 hour session, 1 hour homework)

• On-the-job learning: 24 hours a week

Fellowship

COMING SOON

Spring 2023

Job Description