WINNIPEG, MB – Approximately 25 people from ethnically diverse origins including Burma, Cuba, Ethiopia, First Nations, Moldavia, Nigeria, Philippines and Sudan are now in training at Diversity Food Services on The University of Winnipeg campus. The intensive, four-week training program covers areas such as customer service, time management skills, hygiene, kitchen equipment usage, safe food handling, cashier duties as well as meal preparation. By the end of August those who successfully complete the training program will be ready to become employees and over time will be invited to invest in the ownership of Diversity Food Services. Providing training, mentorship and employment to those in our surrounding community who may face barriers to meaningful work is an approach that is unique among food service providers serving universities in Canada.
Diversity Food is focusing on developing nutritious, affordable and ethnically diverse food options and will focus, wherever possible, on locally sourced, organic ingredients, with a commitment to fair-trade practices.
The architects of Diversity Food Services are two Winnipeg based organizations, The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation (UWCRC) and SEED Winnipeg.
Ben Kramer, formerly of Dandelion Eatery, is leading the venture as the Executive Chef. Kirsten Godbout, former general manager of the award-winning cafe Bread & Circuses, is managing the operational side of Diversity.
Manitoba Labour and Immigration, Employment Manitoba and the United Way have generously provided funding for the training program.
– 30 –
SEED Winnipeg, Inc. is a non-profit agency whose mandate it is to combat inner-city poverty by aiding people in their efforts to save money and to start small sustainable ventures.
The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation is a University created not-for-profit, charitable organization whose board of directors is drawn from both within and outside the University community, and is responsible for developing new University facilities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
