City Market General Manager, Clem Nilan, To Speak at Community Kitchen Graduation

Burlington, VT—Nine students will graduate from Community Kitchen, a program of the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf (CEFS) and the Vermont Foodbank.
 
A program of Feeding America – the national network of food banks, Community Kitchen is a 14-week culinary job-training program that prepares unemployed and underemployed men and women for sustainable careers in the food service industry. 
 
Clem Nilan, General Manager of City Market and former NECI Instructor will address the graduating class and their families on Friday, August 28th at 1pm.  The graduation ceremony will be held at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf at 228 North Winooski Ave. in Burlington.
 
“We are very proud of this group of students,” said Brian Dermody, professional chef and Community Kitchen instructor.  “They have completed a rigorous course, produced over 5,500 meals for Food Shelf programs and are ready for full-time employment.”
 
“Community Kitchen graduation is an excellent opportunity to highlight the commitment of our partners at Vermont Adult Learning, Sodexo Corporation and the State of Vermont,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO.  But more importantly this occasion allows us to recognize the graduates—who have so dedicated themselves to the completion of this program, while feeding countless families with their cooking.” 
  
Funding for Community Kitchen is provided in part by a Next Generation (Act 46) Grant from the Vermont Department of Labor.  Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and the Vermont Foodbank have secured funding for a total of three 14 week sessions this year, with the third session beginning in late September.
 
 
About the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf
Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf works to alleviate hunger by feeding people and cultivating opportunities. As the largest direct service emergency food provider in Vermont, the Food Shelf serves over 11,500 people each year. Visit www.feedingchittenden.org for more information.
 
About the Vermont Foodbank
Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities in all 14 counties of Vermont through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food to the more than 66,000 needy Vermonters who request charitable food assistance.  The Vermont Foodbank is a nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation.  For facts and figures on hunger and poverty, to sign-up to receive our newsletter, to find a food shelf in your community, and to learn about the Federal Nutrition Programs, visit us on the web at www.vtfoodbank.org