Good Work Austin Receives Jacques Pépin Foundation Grant
Good Work Austin is proud to announce we have been selected as one of 17 programs across the United States to receive a $10,000 grant from the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) to support our Culinary Workforce Training program.
The Jacques Pépin Foundation advances Jacques’ love of culinary arts and teaching through video recipe production and curriculum development, expanding education and training for all. They provide grants and other resources to Community Kitchen partners, which offer culinary and life skills training, helping individuals detached from the workforce gain confidence, skills, and employment in the food industry.
Good Work Austin’s Culinary Workforce Training program addresses the hospitality industry’s ongoing labor shortage by preparing individuals facing systemic employment barriers for long-term, living-wage jobs in the food industry. The program provides culinary training, job readiness support, and paid internships through partnerships with mission-aligned local restaurants and food businesses.
“The JPF’s mission is realized in part by supporting programs that create opportunities through culinary training, and giving grants to these important, impressive, local organizations,” says Rollie Wesen, Executive Director of the JPF.
“Good Work Austin cares for both workers and their community. Through their Culinary Workforce Training program, they provide culinary development, job readiness training and paid internships to individuals who face systemic barriers to employment, helping them gain real kitchen experience in partnership with mission-driven restaurants. By investing directly in people and in the food businesses that commit to doing good, Good Work Austin is modeling a more just and sustainable food system, and we’re honored to support their efforts.”
Make it stand out
“Receiving support from the Jacques Pépin Foundation is both an honor and a powerful affirmation of our mission,” said Kara Hanaoka, Executive Director of Good Work Austin. “This grant will help us deepen our commitment to building healthy, sustainable careers in the culinary industry—equipping our trainees with the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to secure living-wage employment and thrive.”
In addition to funding, Good Work Austin will also receive Jacques Pépin Foundation-branded aprons for trainee use and a group membership to the Foundation.
To learn more about Good Work Austin’s Culinary Workforce Training program, visit www.goodworkaustin.org/gwa-culinary-training.