MANNA CATERS
Culinary Arts Training and Employment Readiness School
Learn to cook. Prepare for work. Serve your community.
A good meal can bring comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. In the Manna Cafe kitchen, it can also help someone build a new future. CATERS is our 12-week culinary internship, where adults gain practical kitchen experience, prepare for employment, and help feed their neighbors.
A place to learn and a chance to begin again
CATERS welcomes adults who want to learn, work, and serve. The program is open regardless of where you live, with priority enrollment for transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing homelessness.
Our partners include DoD SkillBridge, Workforce Essentials, and local restaurants that employ our graduates. Through SkillBridge, eligible transitioning service members can gain civilian work experience while retaining their military pay and benefits.
Real skills in a working kitchen
Under the guidance of a professional culinary instructor, interns combine classroom learning with hands-on training in our commercial kitchen. They practice the skills employers need while planning, preparing, and serving community meals.
- Food safety and ServSafe certification preparation
- Cooking techniques, nutrition, and menu planning
- Preparing sauces, soups, vegetables, and proteins
- Catering, event preparation, and meal service
- Teamwork, communication, and workplace readiness
Support along the way
Learning is easier when you have the tools and encouragement you need. CATERS provides chef pants, non-slip shoes, meals during training, food safety instruction, and support with employment and personal challenges.
Eligible participants may receive a $200 weekly stipend, with at least 20 hours of participation per week required. Workforce Essentials supports stipends for eligible participants ages 18–24. Stipend eligibility depends on the participant’s funding arrangement; SkillBridge members retain military pay and benefits.
We also provide casework support and help graduates connect with employment opportunities.
Good food, prepared with care
Interns turn rescued food and purchased ingredients into nourishing, made-from-scratch meals. Menus celebrate different cultures and familiar comfort foods, with the same care, flavor, and generous portions we would offer our own families. Our faith calls us to give God our best work and to welcome every guest with dignity.
Every meal gives interns a chance to practice their craft while serving someone who needs a warm welcome. Community meals are free and open to everyone, with no residency requirements, registration, or intake process.
What this work makes possible
2026 year-to-date results.
8 of 8
graduates found employment through CATERS within 90 days of graduation
6 of 6
graduates who reached 90 days on the job remained employed
28,853
hot meals served through the program so far in 2026
15 adults enrolled and eight have graduated so far. Twelve participants were unemployed at enrollment, three were experiencing homelessness, and eight had low or moderate incomes. These groups overlap. One participant enrolled through SkillBridge.
Five ServSafe credentials have been earned, including one at the manager level. Among survey respondents, 90% reported improved financial stability and 100% reported increased social capital, meaning stronger support networks or employment connections.
Two employed graduates have not yet reached 90 days on the job and are not included in the retention result. Two interns left without graduating. Survey results are self-reported and reflect respondents, rather than every participant.
Our goals for 2027
In the year ahead, we aim to help more adults build skills and lasting employment while preparing nutritious meals for our neighbors.
16 enrolled · 12 graduates
Enroll 16 interns and support at least 12 through graduation, a 75% completion goal.
100% certified
Help every graduate earn a ServSafe Food Handler credential.
75% employed
Have at least 75% of graduates find work within 90 days of graduation.
80% job retention
Have at least 80% of graduates placed in jobs remain employed 90 days after starting work.
Greater stability and connection
Aim for 75% of survey respondents to report improved financial stability and 80% to report stronger support networks or employment connections.
31,000 hot meals
Prepare and serve 31,000 nourishing hot meals while interns gain practical experience.
These are program goals. We will compare intake surveys with responses 90 days after graduation and report how many participants respond.
Interested in joining us?
If you enjoy cooking, learning, and helping others, we would love to hear from you. You do not have to live in Montgomery or Stewart County to participate.
Typical training hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your schedule may vary with program needs. At least 20 hours per week are required to qualify for a stipend.
Email us to ask about eligibility, scheduling, or how to apply.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Manna Cafe Ministries is a Partner Agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Second Harvest is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization with a mission to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Second Harvest works with a network of approximately 600 Partner Agencies like Manna Cafe Ministries to distribute food to those in need throughout 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. To learn more, visit secondharvestmidtn.org.
