[caption id="attachment_225104" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Food Bank of Delaware has graduated 800 students from its culinary school since it started in 2002. | PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD BANK OF DELAWARE[/caption] NEWARK — Looking to help students sharpen their skills, the Food Bank of Delaware is once again seeking applicants for its free culinary workforce training program. The Culinary School teaches students basic and high-end kitchen skills at its kitchen in Newark and Milford. The program is 14 weeks, including a two-week paid work experience overseen by chef instructor Tish Badamshin. Applications are due on Aug. 23. “Our training programs are truly life changing,” Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky said in a prepared statement. “Thanks to our incredible donors, we are able to provide this free training to Delawareans who are looking for a fresh start. The pandemic left so many of our neighbors under and unemployed, and this program is the bright spot that so many of us need right now.” The Food Bank of Delaware has offered the Culinary School program since 2002, and has graduated more than 800 students. At the end of the program, students are connected with job placement services to help them find a new position with some of the culinary partners. Past graduates have worked at SoDel Concepts, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Harry’s Hospitality, Iron Hill Brewery, Crooked Hammock Brewery and Delaware Park. “Accepting me into the [program] was the best thing that ever happened to me. This program has made my life better. Thank you for helping me to succeed,” said Kicha Roman, who graduated from the July training program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to attend classes Monday through Friday, and able to stand for at least six hours. Daytime classes begin Monday, Sept. 12, at the Food Bank’s Milford branch and meet in person for 14 weeks. For more information, visit www.fbd.org/the-culinary-school