Root NS, Inc.
Root NS, Inc.
Root NS, Inc.
Programs
Culinary Job Training Program
Root’s Culinary Training Program combines hands-on food-service training with job and life skills through three 14-week training cycles each year. In addition to culinary instruction and certification, Root youth trainees receive life and professional skills development, financial literacy, and support in completing their high school education. Upon graduation, youth receive formal follow-up advising and case management services for one year to ensure continuing employment and/or education.GeographiesSalem, MA, USA;Essex County, MA, USADatesNot indicatedSourceUser-generatedJob trainingYoung adults,Multiracial people,Economically disadvantaged people,At-risk youth198–Community Catering Initiative
In March 2020, Root launched our Community Catering initiative as an emergency response to help address Covid-related hunger relief efforts in Essex County. This mission-enhanced work continues today. Each week, a team of Root youth alumni employees produces 700+ meals for those struggling with food insecurity and for clients served by Lifebridge, Salem Food Pantry, Beverly Bootstraps, Plummer Youth Promise, My Brother's Table, Acord Food Pantry, and many more area human service agencies.GeographiesEssex County, MA, USA;Salem, MA, USADatesNot indicatedSourceUser-generatedFood aid,NutritionChildren and youth,Adults,Families,Economically disadvantaged people,Unemployed people1K–Alumni Employment Program
Through Root's Alumni Employment Program, Culinary Training Program graduates continue to receive support after they complete the program. Our team consistently works with graduates to find housing, navigate the job market, complete their HiSET or enroll in college, get their driver's license, and address mental health and life challenges. Additionally, the program offers Root alumni the opportunity for more training and the chance to gain experience working in the Root kitchen. We provide above-minimum wage hourly employment for Root youth alumni producing and delivering the meals for our Community Catering Initiative. Root employs between 8-10 alumni to prepare community catering meals, and provides them with above-minimum wage hourly employment, continuing culinary skill development, and ongoing mentorship and wraparound support services. To date, we are averaging a 77% graduation rate from the program, and 83% are enrolled in school or employed 12 months after graduation.GeographiesEssex County, MA, USA;Salem, MA, USADatesNot indicatedSourceUser-generatedCommunity food systemsYoung adults,Adolescents,Low-income people100–
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved to Chario Inc. (d.b.a. Impala)