DC Central Kitchen is a nonprofit combating hunger and poverty in Washington, D.C. Through innovative programs, it provides nutritious meals to local shelters and community organizations while offering job training and employment opportunities in the culinary industry.
The organization helps individuals facing employment barriers develop skills, gain certifications, and secure stable jobs through its award-winning Culinary Job Training Program (CJT). The Culinary Job Training Program (CJT) offers culinary arts education, career readiness training, and real-world internships for adults facing employment barriers and young adults ages 18-24 who are not in school or working. Over 30 years, the program has helped more than 2,000 individuals launch culinary careers, with multiple training cohorts each year engaging in hands-on learning for hospitality careers.
DC Central Kitchen's impact is extensive, addressing food insecurity, workforce development, food waste reduction, and empowering individuals to achieve long-term economic stability.