The Portland-based organization Stone Soup hosts a twelve-week culinary training for individuals that have had significant employment barriers, including substance use disorders, gaps in work experience, lack of housing and other systemic obstacles. The program works to equip those participants with the skills the need to enter the food service industry.

The organization was founded in 2018, and its community kitchen program also provides meals to senior care communities, schools, mental health facilities and shelters. Some of those meals are cooked by those participating in the culinary training program, and some are cooked by Stone Soup staff.

We hear from the organization’s director, Ellen Damaschino, and one of the participants of the program, Mikey Barth, about the culinary training program, as well as the organization’s work to provide meals for people in the larger community.

“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/08/03/think-out-loud-portland-culinary-education/