Chef Ann Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ Fresh Success program to offer the Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs as SNAP Employment and Training opportunities in the following counties:

Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Solano, and Sonoma. 

This means that SNAP recipients partaking in these Healthy School Food Pathway programs in these counties are eligible for additional benefits and supportive services to support them for the duration of the program. These benefits are in addition to their wages earned and skills and credentials gained through Healthy School Food Pathway. Some of the supplemental services that may be available to a SNAP participant include:

• Child or dependent care assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Rent/mortgage assistance
• Internet assistance
• Career navigation services
• Job search and resume assistance
• And more to support their success in completing the program and enhancing their employability.

If you currently receive SNAP benefits or think you may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits, please reach out to Taylor Lewis, our Sr. Coordinator of Workforce Programs Funding for more information. You can reach Taylor by email at taylor.lewis@chefannfoundation.org or by phone (call or text) at 419-792-0295.

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Here is a guide on how to fill out your CA Pre-Apprenticeship application.

• You will need to log in to our application portal. Make sure you are filling out the correct application for the California Pre-Apprenticeship program.
• Once you submit your application, you will receive a submission confirmation email with a link to schedule your 15-minute phone interview.

This is a competitive process, completing an application does not guarantee an acceptance into the program.

The Pre-Apprenticeship program requires you to have either a computer, laptop, or tablet and internet access to complete the online components of the program listed below:

• Moodle: The online School Food Institute (SFI) courses can be viewed from anywhere through Moodle, the learning platform that is used for this program, but we highly recommend completing the courses on a laptop or computer as you will be required to write and submit assignments. 
• Zoom: Used for the Virtual Learning Sessions, Support Sessions, and office hours.
• Workday: Participants working onsite hours for the program will use Workday to complete hiring paperwork for payment, and submit hours and reimbursements.

Loaner computers may be available should you not have access to one of the devices listed above.

Below is a list of requirements to be eligible to participate in the program:

• High school diploma, completion of G.E.D., or equivalent vocational school or short-term courses, such as commercial trade training, culinary training, and computer training.
• 18 years or older (or will turn 18 by October 1, 2025)*
  • *Participants aged 16-17 can participate in select districts. Please reach out if you are interested.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• A criminal background check is required for hire.
• If required by the district, the offer is contingent upon passing a physical exam.
• Must be able to obtain ServSafe Certificate or State/County Food Handler’s Permit by completion of the mid-program review.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time.

In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must fulfill  the following program components:

• Complete three online School Food Institute (SFI) courses. Click here for an overview of the courses.
• Hold an active ServSafe Certificate or State/County Food Handler’s Permit (If you do not have a food handler certification, we will provide the online training and exam).
• For external participants, complete 84 paid onsite hours in a local K12 district’s meal program. For current K12 meal program staff, additional onsite hours are dependent on your district and your current work schedule.
• Attend two live virtual learning sessions.

Participants work approximately 12 hours per week in a school food program. If you are a current team member in a K12 meal program any additional hours will be dependent on your existing schedule and school district. 

School food programs typically operate Monday thru Friday from 6am - 2pm. There is flexibility in the schedule of your hours, but typically, directors will provide you with a schedule within these hours and assign you a school site in the district.

During the seven weeks, you will complete a variety of tasks, including chopping fruits and vegetables, batch cooking, serving students, running the point of sale (POS) system as students move through the line, and washing dishes.

If you need more information about the responsibilities of a Pre-Apprentice, please see the job description listed under “Resources for Prospective Applicants”.

Participants will be paid $18 per hour (or meet the minimum wage of the county) for on-site program hours worked. If required, you may also be paid for completing an anti-harassment training. Virtual learning sessions and online courses are unpaid.

All program related costs will be covered. If your host district requires upfront payment for any district onboarding such as a Livescan/background check or TB test, please keep proof or a receipt so you can be reimbursed for these expenses.