Jen Franco

Jen Franco is the Culinary Director at Food Shift, a project of Earth Island Institute that focuses on reducing food waste, nourishing communities, and providing job opportunities.12 With 20 years of experience working with mission-driven organizations, Jen is passionate about food systems, sustainability, and education.3

Professional Background

Jen's culinary journey began in her childhood, spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother.1 This early exposure to cooking fostered a lifelong love for food and culinary arts. Her professional path led her to become a graduate of Bauman College, where she honed her culinary skills and knowledge.2

Role at Food Shift

As the Culinary Director at Food Shift, Jen plays a crucial role in the organization's mission to:

1. Rescue surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfills
2. Utilize rescued food for redistribution efforts and social enterprise kitchen operations
3. Provide job training programs for individuals facing employment discrimination

Under Jen's leadership, Food Shift's kitchen serves as a hub for both food redistribution and job training initiatives. The organization offers apprenticeships that provide a livable wage while teaching professional kitchen skills to community members overcoming various barriers to employment.1

Expertise and Focus

Jen Franco's work at Food Shift aligns with her passion for addressing interconnected issues such as:

• Food waste reduction
• Climate change mitigation
• Job and economic security
• Community health improvement

Her expertise in culinary arts and sustainability allows her to develop practical solutions that not only reduce food waste but also create positive impacts on the community and the environment.13

Jen Franco's LinkedIn profile can be found under the username jen-franco-4941a776, where more details about her professional experience and accomplishments may be available.3