DC Central Kitchen Culinary Job Training Program Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-166

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 2, 2026

To honor and recognize DC Central Kitchen on the occasion of celebrating a total of 2,500
graduates from its Culinary Job Training Program.

WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen began operations in 1989 with the belief that food alone
would never end hunger, but that food could be a powerful tool for strengthening bodies,
empowering minds, and building communities;

WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training Program was launched in 1990
as a root -cause solution to the challenges of hunger and poverty by preparing District residents
with histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction for culinary careers;

WHEREAS, the Culinary Job Training Program now offers 14 weeks of tuition-free “knife
skills and life skills” training, including internships and externships, social services, job placement
support, and alumni services, thanks to the efforts and commitment of all 313 DC Central Kitchen
employees;

WHEREAS, the Culinary Job Training Program has partnered with hundreds of District of
Columbia restaurants, hotels, event venues, foodservice companies, and professional associations
like the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and Les Dames d'Escoffier
Washington, DC to create meaningful career opportunities and reduce barriers to employment;

WHEREAS, the Culinary Job Training Program has produced 181 graduating classes in its
history and doubled the number of annual graduating classes since it moved into its new
headquarters, the Michael R. Klein Center for Jobs and Justice, in 2023;

WHEREAS, 160 graduates of the Culinary Job Training Program now work for DC Central
Kitchen in a variety of culinary, instructional, and managerial roles, serving as mentors and guides
to incoming students;

WHEREAS, the Culinary Job Training Program has worked to shift narratives and expand
pathways for returning citizens through decades of collaboration with partners like the Court

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Services and Offender Supervision Agency, Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, and
Council for Court Excellence;

WHEREAS, the Culinary Job Training Program has earned national acclaim as a best
practice program and social innovation from t he Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street
Journal, National Geographic, PBS NewsHour , Aspen Institute, the National Restaurant
Association, the US Chamber of Commerce, and White House Champion of Change Awards; and

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2026, the Culinary Job Training Program will mark its 2,500th
graduate, which represents a remarkable milestone worthy of recognition.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “ DC Central Kitchen Culinary Job Training Program Recognition
Resolution of 2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors DC Central Kitchen
for their efforts to train and empower a total of 2,500 Culinary Job Training Program graduates
since the inception of its program.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.