MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – With training courses already in the works for this Spring, Orange County FoodTEC’s blueprint for stoking growth in regional food, beverage and hospitality sectors by building an energized and skilled local workforce received a significant shot in the arm this holiday season when Congress included $1.125 million in Community Projects Funding monies for FoodTEC as part of the federal government’s 2023 fiscal year omnibus spending package.

A newly created not-for-profit aligned with SUNY Orange, Orange County FoodTEC will use the funds to accelerate the work it has recently begun to provide workforce training and related skills programming in support of the region’s food, beverage and hospitality sectors. Orange County FoodTEC is a workforce and skills development training and education center at SUNY Orange that ultimately will combine a commercial kitchen, classroom space and training event space into a flagship hub for the College’s food, beverage and hospitality workforce program.

The acquired federal funds, appropriated by the U.S. Department of Education, will catalyze FoodTEC’s efforts to develop course curricula, hire and train faculty and staff, provide student support in the form of free general workforce readiness training, and offer accommodations for non-traditional students to support childcare and other needs.

FoodTEC’s request for CPF funds was submitted to Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney’s office for review in February. Maloney endorsed the request, including it among 15 project his district forwarded to the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee for consideration. Community Project Funding (CPF) allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula to states or awarded by federal agencies.

“I have every confidence we are now armed with the foundational resources to bring our FoodTEC vision to reality for the benefit of our friends and neighbors who are currently working in the food, beverage and hospitality sectors, or who aspire to do so and now may have a smoother entry into the workforce,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president and chair of the FoodTEC Board of Directors. This very sizable infusion of funds will enable FoodTEC to very quickly ramp up programming and services, and hasten the impact we know FoodTEC will have upon our community.

“On behalf of the College and FoodTEC, I cannot thank Congressman Maloney enough for his endorsement of our request and his steadfast commitment to SUNY Orange and the FoodTEC initiative over the years,” Young added. “For this request, we appreciated receiving letters of support from New York State Senators James Skoufis and Mike Martucci, State Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson, Orange County Office of Economic Development, Orange County Partnership, LEGOLAND New York Resort, Resorts World Catskills, Amy’s Kitchen and Satin Fine Foods.”

Orange County FoodTEC will help to relieve and reduce adult and youth unemployment/underemployment and provide for additional employment in Orange County and the region. The initiative will provide and support workforce development opportunities to assist low-income job seekers and workers in obtaining and advancing in jobs that provide sustaining wages and benefits, primarily in the food, beverage and hospitality sectors, and aid in the economic development of Orange County and its surrounding areas. 

In aligning with the College’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, most of FoodTEC’s programming will be designed to strengthen the region’s economic future by expanding workforce development in emerging innovative fields while also identifying and addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse regional population and workforce,

Under the direction of Executive Director Jhack Sepulveda, FoodTEC is preparing to open a modest offering of food safety training courses this Spring. Longer-term planning calls for food industry certificate training, general workforce readiness training, mid- and upper-level management training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurial support and resources, and food-based community development.

In addition to Sepulveda, FoodTEC is guided by a five-member Board of Directors and supported by an advisory board of industry and sector leaders including representatives from Amy’s Kitchen, Council of Industry, Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC), Legoland New York Resort, Foster Supply and Hospitality, Levy Restaurants, Pepsico, and Resorts World Catskills.

For more information, contact Sepulveda at (845) 341-9518 or at jhack.sepulveda@sunyorange.edu.

About SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) enrolls approximately 4,000 full- and part-time students across 40 degree and certificate programs. With campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, the College has grown to meet the needs of its students, while also addressing the demands of a growing and diverse population in the Hudson Valley. Consistent with its mission to provide high-quality and accessible educational and enrichment opportunities, the College is noted for its commitment to ensuring student success. Since its founding in 1950, the College has earned its reputation as a pioneer and innovator in meeting the needs of its students and contributing to a vibrant and thriving community. Learn more about SUNY Orange at www.sunyorange.edu.