Greenfield’s Stone Soup Culinary Institute welcomes third cohort of aspiring chefs

GREENFIELD — The culinary dreams of eight aspiring chefs are taking flight once again as Stone Soup Culinary Institute welcomes its third cohort of students.

With nearly 50 applicants vying for the openings, this year’s selection welcomes eight individuals who are eager to embark on a culinary journey under the guidance of Chef Instructors Brandon Shantie and Michael Hulburt. Participants immerse themselves in a 12-week program designed to cultivate not just culinary skills, but also an understanding of food justice and community empowerment. From mastering knife skills to exploring the tapestry of traditional cooking techniques, students gain hands-on experience while earning certifications, such as ServSafe Manager.

“At Stone Soup Culinary Institute, we believe in the power of food to nourish both body and soul,” Kirsten Levitt, executive director and chef at Stone Soup Café, said in a statement. “Our goal is to foster a new generation of culinary leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in our community.”

“We have all the ingredients in place and things are starting to sizzle,” Shantie said in a statement. “Three years into teaching here at the Stone Soup Culinary Institute and we are really starting to get into a groove. Our new students are getting a taste of some new aspects of the curriculum. I am looking forward to working with some of our restaurant partners — including Hope & Olive, People’s Pint and Mesa Verde — as they take on student interns from the institute to give them on-the-ground, real-world work experience”

In addition to providing job training and certification opportunities, the Stone Soup Culinary Institute aims to create inclusive pathways for individuals from all walks of life, including those navigating re-entry into society after incarceration. Through partnerships with local organizations such as the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Stone Soup Café aims to empower individuals facing barriers to employment by offering them access to vocational training. Many students live in Orange and take the bus to class every day, while others are from Greenfield and Turners Falls.

The institute operates as a tuition-free program, ensuring accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students can access financial stipends to compensate for their time in class, further removing barriers to participation. These measures are made possible in part by funding received from the state through its Urban Agenda Grant Program, and from community contributions.