Chef Ann Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ Fresh Success program to offer the Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs as SNAP Employment and Training opportunities in the following counties:

Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Solano, and Sonoma. 

This means that SNAP recipients partaking in these Healthy School Food Pathway programs in these counties are eligible for additional benefits and supportive services to support them for the duration of the program. These benefits are in addition to their wages earned and skills and credentials gained through Healthy School Food Pathway. Some of the supplemental services that may be available to a SNAP participant include:

Child or dependent care assistance

Transportation assistance

Rent/mortgage assistance

Internet assistance

Career navigation services

Job search and resume assistance

And more to support their success in completing the program and enhancing their employability.

If you currently receive SNAP benefits or think you may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits, please reach out to Taylor Lewis, our Sr. Coordinator of Workforce Programs Funding for more information. You can reach Taylor by email at taylor.lewis@chefannfoundation.org or by phone (call or text) at 419-792-0295.

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To apply, you’ll complete an application through our online application portal. Be sure to select the California Pre-Apprenticeship program application. Here is a guide on how to fill out your CA Pre-Apprenticeship application.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details about the next steps.

Please note this is a competitive process, and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

The Pre-Apprenticeship requires you to have either a computer, laptop, or tablet and internet access to complete the online program components listed below:

Moodle: The School Food Institute (SFI) courses can be viewed from anywhere through Moodle, the learning platform that is used for this program. We highly recommend completing the courses on a laptop or computer, as you will be required to write and submit assignments. 

Zoom: Used for the Virtual Learning Sessions, Support Sessions, and office hours.

Workday: Participants working onsite hours for the program will use Workday to complete hiring paperwork for payment, and submit hours and reimbursements. Loaner computers may be available should you not have access to one of the devices listed above.

Below is a list of requirements to be eligible to participate in the program:

High school diploma, completion of G.E.D., or equivalent vocational school or short-term courses, such as commercial trade training, culinary training, and computer training.

18 years or older (or will turn 18 by November 1, 2026)*

*Participants aged 16 or older may be able to participate in select districts. Please reach out if you are interested.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

A criminal background check must be cleared to complete on-site work at a district. Additional onboarding tasks may be required, depending on the district. 

If required by the district, the offer is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.

Must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time.

To receive a certification of completion, participants must complete the following:

Complete three online School Food Institute (SFI) courses. 

Hold an active ServSafe Certificate or State/County Food Handler’s Permit 

If you do not have a food handler certification, the program will provide the required training and exam

Attend two live virtual learning sessions

Complete required on-site hours:

External participants: 60 hours in a local K-12 district’s meal program. 

Current K-12 school food staff: onsite hours vary based on your district and existing work schedule

Core program costs are covered. If your host district requires upfront payment for any district onboarding requirement, such as a Livescan/background check or TB test, please keep a receipt or proof of payment for reimbursement.

While core program fees are covered, please note the following regarding your daily professional presence. If you are selected for on-site work, you are expected to adhere to your specific host district’s dress code. Participants may need to purchase attire at their own expense to meet these local requirements.