Third Class Of Home Cooks Receive Culinary Certifications

The Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast (HABAGC) announced that its third group of students recently had a finishing ceremony after completing coursework at Coastal Alabama Community College (CACC). The program came about after HABAGC recognized a need to assist Hispanic home cooks by helping promote food preparation skills, along with business entrepreneurship. After winning a competitive grant from Mobile United, HABAGC, along with Bishop State Community College and CACC, created a culinary certification program for these home cooks. Two groups graduated earlier this year, one from Bishop State and another from CACC. The course of study includes both business and culinary training that lead to six certifications. The classes and material are all in Spanish. Students will be ready to serve in high-demand jobs in hospitality or open their own businesses. The ultimate goal of the program is to establish a nonprofit “Commissary Kitchen” to provide a place for the chefs to cook commercially. Plans are ongoing, with the opening set for fall 2023.