Where Fresh Starts Rise
Since 2000, The Bread Project has empowered thousands of Bay Area residents by providing hands-on culinary job training, career placement, and a pathway to lasting employment.
Culinary Job Training
Real Jobs
Lasting Change
The Bread Project is a nonprofit based in Berkeley, California, dedicated to empowering individuals facing barriers to employment by providing free culinary job training, career support, and pathways to living wage jobs and lasting employment. Since 2000, we’ve helped thousands of Bay Area residents build sustainable careers.
Our hands-on programs give individuals the skills and confidence they need to thrive—whether they are entering the workforce, building a small food business, or supporting their community.
Who we Serve
We specialize in supporting low-to-no-income adults in California who are ready to build a better future through food industry careers.
Many of our trainees are:
- Justice impacted
- Refugees and Immigrants
- Unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity
- Living with a disability
- Re-entering the workforce after hardship
Who’s Eligible?
Our free training is open to low-to-no-income Bay Area adults (18+) who are ready and able to work. Participants must be available weekdays 9am to 3:30pm during the 5-week program and meet a few basic requirements:
- Basic reading and math skills
- Physical and program-readiness
If this sounds like you, we’d love to see you in our next class.
Our Programs
Where fresh starts keep rising.
The Bread Project exists to give people the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build better lives. Whether you’re starting fresh, building your career in the food industry, or dreaming of your own business, our programs meet you where you are and help you rise.
Three Core Programs
Food Service Training and Job Placement
Our 5‑week, 150‑hour program gives you the hands‑on skills and confidence to succeed in the food industry. You’ll graduate ready to interview for and land jobs that set you on a path toward independence and lasting success.
Food Entrepreneurs’ Business Incubator
If you have a food business idea, our Incubator can help make it real. Each year, we support 3–5 early‑stage food entrepreneurs with production support, food safety training, recipe scaling, and business guidance—plus access to certified kitchen space and mentorship to help you grow.
Community Meals for the Food Insecure
We know that many of our Job Training participants face food insecurity. That’s why part of your training includes preparing 100 meals daily for yourself and your family. You’ll also contribute to the wider community through partnerships that provide meals to neighbors in need and medically tailored meals to those facing illness.
Our Impact
Over 2,500 people have trained with The Bread Project to build stronger futures. Our programs help participants gain skills, confidence, and job opportunities:
- 80 – 85% graduation rate
- 80 – 85% job placement rate within 30–60 days
- 80 – 85% job retention rate after 3 months
- 80 – 85% job retention rate after 8 months
That’s not just a number—it’s a pathway toward economic self-sufficiency. And we’re not done yet. We’re just getting started.
Hear Real Stories from the Bread Project
Discover the real impact of The Bread Project through the voices of our graduates—people just like you, taking the next step toward their future.
Their stories show what’s possible when you take that first step.
Ready to take the Next Step?
Apply today—it only takes 5 minutes!
