Buffalo State, FeedMore WNY Celebrate RISE Culinary Graduates

Buffalo State University and FeedMore WNY celebrated the first cohort of FeedMore WNY’s Culinary and Food Manufacturing Program, the newest course in its workforce development initiative, Readying Individuals for Success and Employment (RISE), with a graduation ceremony on June 10. Buffalo State and FeedMore WNY partnered to hold classes—and the graduation ceremony—in the dietetics kitchen in Caudell Hall.

The 14-week course (including a two-week internship) offers adults hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen. Students earn certification in ServSafe food handling, administered by the National Restaurant Association, as well as Certified Fundamentals Cook certification from the American Culinary Federation. Additionally, RISE, which is geared toward individuals with high barriers to employment, allows participants to develop skills like résumé writing, financial literacy, and interview preparation. Wraparound services such as transportation assistance, child care, daily meals, and food pantry access are also provided.

“Buffalo State University is so excited to collaborate with one of our community partners whose mission is to address food insecurity and provide avenues for social mobility,” said Carol DeNysschen, dean of the School of the Professions.

Buffalo State and FeedMore WNY have a longstanding partnership comprising numerous collaborations such as Milligan’s Food Pantry, the Adopt-a-Route program, curricular coursework, and—earlier this year—donations of eclipse glasses for safe viewing of the 2024 total solar eclipse.

Photos by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.