Skills Center

St. Mary’s Food Bank provides tailored job training, equipping those facing employment challenges with practical skills within foodservice and the warehouse and logistics industry.

Community Kitchen

Join our 9-week culinary training program to elevate your employability in the food service industry.

LIFT

Dive into our 6-week training program to kickstart a thriving career in the warehouse and logistics industry.

How To Apply

1

Apply online or drop off your application at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Alternatively, fax to 480.780.3799.

2

Please keep an eye out for text messages or emails from us regarding your application and next steps in the process.

These messages may include important updates, instructions, or requests for additional information.

To ensure you don’t miss anything, we recommend:

Checking your email inbox (and spam/junk folders) regularly.

Keeping your phone handy for text notification

3

Candidates will have a personal interview with a Community Kitchen or LIFT staff member.

Next Steps

Once the above steps have been completed we will reach out if you have been accepted, waitlisted or declined.

Accept

Accepted candidates will be notified in writing regarding their enrollment date, orientation information, and next steps.

Waitlist

If no openings are available for the next upcoming class, accepted candidates will be placed on a waitlist.

Decline

Declined candidates will be notified in writing if they were not selected for the program and will be provided with other community resources.

Program Requirements

All candidates interested in joining the Community Kitchen or LIFT program must meet the following criteria:

Be facing notable employment barriers
Be 18 or older
Have U.S. work authorization
Pass a drug test (with ongoing random tests during the program)
No arson or registered sex offenders
Consent to a background check
Show genuine interest in the foodservice industry or warehouse & logistics industry
Live in a shelter, own/rent, halfway house
Commit to classes Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., arriving punctually and prepared
Be ready for steady employment in foodservice or warehouse & logistics industry post-program

Reach Out

For more information or assistance with your application please contact Community Kitchen or LIFT at (602) 343-3183.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dive into our frequently asked questions to better understand the Skills Center journey.

Why does this program exist?

To empower disadvantaged adults to achieve self-sufficiency through job training, personal development, and employment in the foodservice or warehouse & logistics industry.

What skill level do students have after completing the program?

When students fully participate and practice the skills they learn during LIFT (Logistics, Inventory and Forklift Training) and Community Kitchen, they will be qualified for various positions in foodservice or the warehouse & logistics industry post-program.

What is the average hourly wage earned by the graduates?

The average starting wage of graduates once employed is $18.10/hr. Starting wages will depend on students attitude, skills and abilities.

Do students have to pay for this training?

Thanks to generous community donors, the program is offered at no cost to people who need assistance and are looking for a positive life change.

What is the average class size?

For Community Kitchen, the class size is 10 students per session. For LIFT, the class size is 8 students per session.

Does the program provide housing for students during the training?

Housing is not offered as part of the program; however, students can be referred to agencies that do offer these types of services.

How do people find out about the Community Kitchen or LIFT?

The majority of students learn about our programs from other social service agencies where they are already receiving assistance.

Where are classes held?

The training is conducted at St. Mary’s Food Bank in the University of Phoenix Center, specifically 3003 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017.

Are graduates guaranteed a job?

The majority of graduates are working in great careers shortly after graduation. Since every individual has different life circumstances, ability levels, and motivation levels, St. Mary’s cannot guarantee employment to every graduate.