#United States #New York City #PepsiCo Foundation #NRAEF #Restaurant Ready

PepsiCo Foundation and NRAEF Join Forces for Restaurant Job Training

In a significant move to enhance workforce readiness in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, the PepsiCo Foundation has entered a million-dollar partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This collaboration will expand the reach of their Restaurant Ready training program across several new U.S. cities, providing crucial skills and job readiness training to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Objectives of the Partnership

The primary aim of this partnership is to empower individuals, especially from underserved communities, to pursue careers in the restaurant industry. With a generous grant of $1 million from the PepsiCo Foundation, the NRAEF's Restaurant Ready program will enhance its initiatives by equipping aspiring restaurant employees with the essential skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.

C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact at PepsiCo Inc., expressed enthusiasm about this initiative. He stated, "Our commitment to supporting food service workers underscores our dedication to creating lasting change, feeding potential, and catalyzing social and economic advancement for people and communities." This sentiment highlights the foundation's focus on uplifting communities and providing equitable opportunities for career development.

Targeting Underserved Communities

The expansion of the Restaurant Ready program is designed to target underserved populations, ensuring that more individuals gain access to the comprehensive training offered. This dedication is crucial as the NRAEF aims to break down barriers that limit employment opportunities for many people. The expansion has already seen success in launching the program in five new locations: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Rob Gifford, President of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, emphasized the importance of these first jobs in a person's career. He noted, "First jobs are deeply formative, representing a 'foot in the door' and the chance to start and grow a career." By focusing on individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, the NRAEF is working to ensure that they can seize these meaningful opportunities.

Program Impact and Success Stories

The partnership has reportedly supported over 2,000 trainees in 2024 alone, including over 1,000 who enrolled this year. Participants have expressed transformative experiences that have significantly impacted their lives. For instance, Chef Frankie (Shannon Curtis), a Restaurant Ready employer in Maryland, shared her excitement about the program's potential to change lives and provide second chances to those looking to enter the workforce.

One participant, known as RC Jr. from Impact Culinary in Chicago, benefited significantly from the program, stating, "Learning the job readiness training competencies has really helped me sharpen up on my communication skills. This brought my confidence and knowledge up another level." Such testimonials showcase the program's ability not only to teach culinary skills but also to boost self-esteem and interpersonal skills among participants.

Continued Commitment to Small Foodservice Businesses

In addition to enhancing workforce training programs, the PepsiCo Foundation is dedicated to supporting small businesses and restaurants through various initiatives. One such initiative, the Impacto Business Accelerator, targets small foodservice businesses that focus on the Hispanic community, providing crucial grants, training, and mentorship.

The foundation has also launched the Restaurant Accelerator program in partnership with the National Urban League. This program offers comprehensive support to restaurants in communities lacking financial resources. Included are essential business development training, financial assistance, and access to industry experts, all aiming to help these businesses thrive.

Conclusion

The partnership between PepsiCo Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation represents a concerted effort to uplift communities through workforce development initiatives in the restaurant industry. By focusing on training and empowerment, they are not only preparing individuals for successful careers but also fostering economic growth and social change in various communities across the United States. Through programs like Restaurant Ready and the ongoing support of small businesses, both organizations are set to deliver lasting positive impact in the years to come.