An overview of our Education and Outreach programs are as follows:
FOOD SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM:
Also known as the “Transition Graduate Program,” the food service training program provides an opportunity for youth with special needs and aged 21 or older to learn kitchen skills that will allow them to find entry- or mid-level jobs in a variety of food service settings. The program introduces part
icipants to the full range of duties associated with working in a professional kitchen, all the while making adaptations to meet each learner’s skill set and learning style. Upon successful completion, participants can earn the “Food Safe Certificate” (awarded by Oregon Department of Health Services) that is required for all who work in the state’s food service industry. Areas covered in the program are:
1) Food Safety and Sanitation (including working towards obtaining a food safe card from ODHS)
2) Identification and use of kitchen equipment
3) Identification and use of basic measurements
4) Reading recipes and following check lists
5) Cooking, baking and basic preparation methods
6) Food presentation
7) Developing interpersonal communication skills needed when serving the public, as well as learning to communicate effectively with co-workers
8) How to clean a commercial kitchen using correct cleaning agents, cleaning tools and effective cleaning methods
9) Recycling and composting
The program operates as a fully functioning deli-style café that is open for service to the public. Student-clients learn the program curriculum as well as get daily hands-on experience by planning and preparing the menu as well as practicing what they are learning by serving healthy, nutritious food to customers that stop in at Reality Kitchen. Further opportunities to use their kitchen skills and add to their work experience are available to student-clients who volunteer at some of the special events and regular evening programming that takes place at Reality Kitchen. Other components of the Food Service Training Program include: field trips to small local farms, restaurants, food suppliers and other potential places of employment; access to computers for students to work towards their food safe card and other program related activities; and presentation of a “Reality Kitchen” apron to use throughout the program and to keep at its conclusion. "THE LIBRARY" - A FREE BOOK EXCHANGE:
Since 1997, "The Library" has been a part of the Oregon Country Fair. Families and kids of all ages have enjoyed puppet shows, American Sign Language storytellers, performance and musical fun as well as the ongoing giving and receiving of many tens of thousands of free books! Founding Librarian, Jim Evangelista, has hoped that "if everyone that comes to the Fair would bring a book for someone else, and they would find that special book that someone else brought just for them!" In keeping with that same spirit of giving, this experiment in community sharing, here in the Whit, is open year round to give the gift of reading to neighbors, one and all!
