Community Kitchen Pittsburgh Empowers through Culinary Education

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

Jennifer Flanagan

Some people need a fresh start, while others simply need a resource for skills; this is where Community Kitchen Pittsburgh comes in. Community Kitchen Pittsburgh was founded as a foundation for people, no matter their background, to learn how to cook and better their lives.

In this month’s Perspective, we talk with Jennifer Flanagan, executive director and founder of Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. You can learn more about Community Kitchen Pittsburgh on their website at www.ckpgh.org.

North Hills Monthly (NHM): What is your goal for the Pittsburgh community?

Jennifer Flanagan (Flanagan): Our goal is always to connect and support the regional food economy, create lifelong career opportunities, and be an asset for the community. In addition, we also want to support and impact other nonprofits, as well as our own.

NHM: What has your impact looked like since beginning in 2013?

Flanagan: We’ve accomplished a variety of goals, including preparing and serving community meals to shelters, launching child nutrition programs, launching home delivery food programs, and supporting other nonprofits. Over five million meals have been served, and over 500 people have been placed in food careers.

NHM: How can the community get involved?

Flanagan: The community can get involved by attending events, such as our monthly Guest Chef Ticketed Dinner.

NHM: Why are events so vital to Community Kitchen Pittsburgh?

Flanagan: They provide revenue, which in turn allows us to provide free training to students, support additional funding for placements, and serve other meals.

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

NHM: How is Community Kitchen funded?

Flanagan: We are primarily funded by revenue from our events, and the rest comes from donors and foundations.

NHM: How are your programs affecting the community and those involved?

Flanagan: Our students have been able to keep their jobs once placed, provide food support to the community, and provide service with dignity and love on a plate.

NHM: What can be expected of someone who joins a program through Community Kitchen Pittsburgh?

Flanagan: We start with the flagship three-month program. The first part of the program teaches kitchen etiquette, knife skills, and cooking techniques. After the basic skills are taught, we move on to presentation with the dishes, how to effectively run the food truck, earning a ServSafe Certificate, and setting a goal for the student to secure a job.

NHM: What types of students are you seeking?

Flanagan: Anyone. We work with people from various backgrounds, such as the homeless, unemployed, underemployed, refugees, incarcerated, and anyone else who is age 18 and older and needs the support.

NHM: How can someone contact you about your services or partner with you?

Flanagan: Check out our website at www.ckpgh.org, or visit us on Facebook and Instagram.