Highmark Delaware donates $125,000 to Food Bank of Delaware

Highmark Delaware presented the Food Bank of Delaware with a $125,000 donation Sept. 9 to support Delaware Food Works, the organization’s workforce development initiative.

Through Delaware Food Works, the food bank provides workforce development training to Delawareans in the areas of food service and warehousing/logistics through The Culinary School and a program called LOGIC (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control). The mission of the initiative is to eliminate food insecurity through workforce development and social entrepreneurship.

“We are pleased to support Delaware Food Works and the Food Bank of Delaware as they continue their work to fight food insecurity,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “This multifaceted program that provides job training to those who need it most, while teaching life and entrepreneurship skills, and offering support services, is impressive. We are excited to see the impact it will have on the individuals enrolled and our community as a whole.”

Thanks to the donation, the Food Bank of Delaware will be able to provide scholarships for 17 students.

The Culinary School is a 14-week program that includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in basic and high-end kitchen skills, safe food handling and life skills. The training culminates with a two-week paid work experience. LOGIC is an 11-week training program that provides training in Occupational Safety and Health Administration-10 safety requirements and the use of major warehouse equipment. A two-week paid work experience is also included. Both programs are certified trade schools of Delaware Department of Education.

“We are thankful for Highmark’s support of our workforce development initiative,” said Larry Haas, chief development officer. “We know that in order for Delawareans to no longer need our emergency food assistance services, we need to provide individuals with opportunities to gain employment that pays a living wage.