feedingamerica

Jul 11, 2024, 05:08 AM UTC

Food, hope, a new career: Elvin found them all

"It's like family." | Can't view this? Read it online. Feeding America. DONATE Elvin standing in a professional kitchen. Elvin in Orlando, FL. When Elvin Santiago lost his hospitality

Feeding America "It's like family." |

Can't view this? Read it online.


 
Elvin standing in a professional kitchen.
Elvin in Orlando, FL.
 

When Elvin Santiago lost his hospitality job of 20 years during the pandemic, he faced nearly a year of unemployment.

"It was depressing," he shared. He missed the interaction with people and needed to support his family, including his son, who has special needs.

In February 2021, Elvin joined the 16-week Culinary Training Program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a partner of Feeding America. This program offers free training in kitchen and life skills to help individuals build sustainable careers in the food industry. After completing the program, Elvin secured a job in hospitality at a golf driving range.

It's your support as a member of the Feeding America community that makes programs like this possible. Thanks to you, the Feeding America network of food banks is able to provide food and programming across the country.

Watch Elvin tell his story in his own words here.

Elvin now volunteers at the food bank's warehouse and always makes a point to visit the culinary program's kitchen to greet his former chef instructors. "They remember me," he said. "It's like family."

Food banks are about so much more than food.

Thanks for your support.
— Team Feeding America

Want to go even further for families experiencing hunger? Every dollar donated can provide at least 10 meals to families in need through the Feeding America network of food banks.

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