WASHINGTON, U.S. – The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced today Nestlé Professional has committed $1 million to support young people from all backgrounds pursuing a future in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. Nestlé Professional’s contribution will be used to enhance and grow the NRAEF’s ProStart® Program. ProStart is the nation’s leading high-school culinary arts and restaurant management training program with more than 140,000 students enrolled and 1,700 participating schools. Nestlé Professional has a long history of helping young people acquire the necessary skills to be successful in the industry. They have also been a strong supporter of the Foundation and ProStart since 2017.
“We are thrilled to work with Nestlé Professional on training and mentoring young people who are passionate about our industry,” said Rob Gifford , President, NRAEF. “As restaurants begin to reopen and the industry rebuilds, there will be new opportunities for our nation’s youth both in culinary and management. ProStart students leave high school well-trained and ready to work, or continue their education at any of the top secondary schools in the country.”
Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé for the Americas and founder of the Nestlé Needs YOUth program is highly enthusiastic about the collaboration with ProStart. “We want young people to become creative innovators, successful agripreneurs, entrepreneurs and game changers regardless of their field or level of expertise. The YOCUTA (Young Culinary Talents) program can help prepare youth to find not just a job, but a rewarding lifelong profession with the potential for a successful career in the foodservices industry, and the opportunity to create their own business as well,” Freixe said.
Prior to the pandemic, Nestlé Professional hosted 130 Ohio ProStart students at their headquarters in Solon, Ohio . Students connected with Nestlé Professional Chefs from around the world, learned about career pathways in the restaurant and foodservice industry, and explored hands-on culinary experience in the official Test Kitchen.
“Our goal is to empower youth to gain access to employment through the foodservice industry,” said Perry Miele , President of Nestlé Professional USA . “Our Young Culinary Talents Program is designed to address the specific needs of our industry. It’s not just about getting a job. It’s about helping students acquire the skills and knowledge to build a career.”
Nestlé Professional Hosts Live “ProStart Pro Tips” Session – March 30th
On Tuesday, March 30 , Nestlé Professional and the NRAEF will celebrate their new partnership by hosting a special training session for ProStart students – the first in a series of “Nestlé ProStart Pro Tips” virtual events. In March, Nestlé Professional chef and food stylist Tom Moran will share career advice and best practices for food styling and food photography. Go to the ProStart Instagram page for additional details.
