Operation Food Chain is a collaborative effort between WSWHE BOCES, Warren County Workforce Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action, and the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls.
Each weekday during the summer, youth employees work alongside Chef Young to prepare and package lunches that are served to children ages 18 and under at the East Field Pavilion in Glens Falls. Through additional support from the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, lunches are also provided at the Salvation Army of Glens Falls.
"This program is a vital community resource, providing more than 1,500 nutritious summer lunches to local youth while offering valuable hands-on skill-building opportunities for our participants," Young said. "This impact is a direct result of the strong partnership between Warren County Summer Youth Employment, WSWHE BOCES, Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action, and the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls."
While providing meals is at the heart of the program, participants also gain valuable experience in the food service industry. This summer, Chef Young is working with two student employees who are interested in culinary careers. Although neither student is currently enrolled in the WSWHE BOCES Culinary Arts program, both are exploring opportunities in the field.
One of those students is Jackson Richard, a senior at Queensbury High School who is returning for his third summer with the program. Through his work with Operation Food Chain, Richard has gained experience in meal preparation, food safety and the daily operations required to run a food service program.
Students learn about kitchen safety, preparation techniques, organization and customer service while earning their ServSafe certification. They also explore the business side of food service by tracking inventory, monitoring supplies and participating in financial literacy activities.
"We want them to understand that there is much more to food service than just preparing a meal," Young said. "They are learning responsibility, communication and how a kitchen operates from day to day."
The program prepares approximately 48 lunches each day, 24 for each distribution site. Wednesdays, when hamburgers and hot dogs are served, are among the busiest days of the week.
Operation Food Chain also focuses on responsible use of resources. Any unused food is returned to Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action and the Salvation Army so it can continue supporting community members.
WSWHE BOCES provides the kitchen and classroom space at the Southern Adirondack Education Center, along with program supervision. Warren County Workforce Development funds the operating costs and youth salaries. Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action secures grant funding through New York State’s Summer Food Service Program for the East Field site, while the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls provides funding for meals served at the Salvation Army.
For Richard, the program has provided more than job experience. It has shown him the importance of serving others.
"I get to feed people who may not be able to afford it," Richard said. "To me, that’s all the happiness."