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Harvesting Hope at Farm Fresh RI

Jacques Pépin Foundation partners with local culinary program to empower the next generation

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Farm Fresh Rhode Island is shaping a brighter future for local youth with the support of the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF). As one of 16 recipients of the Winter 2025 Grant Awards, the organization has received $10,000 to expand its impactful Harvest Kitchen program, an initiative that blends culinary education with mentorship for at-risk youth aged 16-19.

A cornerstone of Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Harvest Kitchen provides hands-on culinary training for youth engaged with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Participants master essential kitchen skills while using locally sourced produce to prepare jarred and frozen goods, strengthening the state’s food system and equipping the next generation with practical, career-building experience. In addition to culinary training, students develop retail and customer service skills at the Local Foods Café in Pawtucket, preparing them for the workforce (read more about the cafe in a past issue of Providence Monthly).

Since the program’s launch, more than 260 young people have completed its comprehensive 20-week curriculum, which includes farm visits, kitchen safety, nutrition education, and foundational cooking techniques. Graduates then transition into a five-week paid internship designed to build confidence and provide real-world experience.

“The JPF’s mission comes to life by supporting programs that create opportunities through culinary training,” says Rollie Wesen, JPF executive director. “The Harvest Kitchen program, located right in our backyard, offers mentorship, skill-building, and a pathway to meaningful employment for local youth. Supporting their work and its lasting impact on individuals and the community is an honor.”

Since its founding in 2016, the JPF has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to over 70 community-based culinary arts training programs. Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Harvest Kitchen program aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s vision that culinary skills not only open doors to employment but also foster self-confidence and healthier lifestyles.


“This grant allows us to expand our program and deepen the mentorship and education we provide to participants,” says Chef Sean Kontos, Harvest Kitchen program director. “We’re grateful for the Jacques Pépin Foundation’s partnership in helping us transform lives.” To learn more about Farm Fresh Rhode Island and its mission to create a sustainable food system, visit FarmFreshRI.org.

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