Making a Difference, Serving the Community One Meal at a Time

On Wednesday, January 30^th, JobTrain staff visited our partners at Loaves and Fishes. We interviewed Culinary Arts graduate, Thurmond Patton and performed volunteer work.

After graduating from JobTrain in 2009, Thurmond became the Lead Chef & Site Coordinator at Loaves and Fishes in November 2010. He works part time and receives full time benefits at the San Jose based non-profit.  Loaves and Fishes, provides food for the unemployed, working poor, families and simply anyone in need of a warm and delicious meal. Last night, approximately 150 meals were served.

The menu consisted of:

• Honey Baked Ham
• Rice Picaso (Thurmond’s special creation)
• Cesar Salad
• Dinner Rolls
• Rasberry Pie

Thurmond prides himself on cooking from the heart and by taste. He refers to his style of cooking as “soul infused with Spanish essence.” Thurmond credits JobTrain for teaching him the requisite culinary math, which allows him to cook with confidence and precision. 

Marc Laca, Site Manager at Loaves and Fishes, said, “Thurmond is our top chef.  He’s the best thing to ever happen to Loaves and Fishes.”

Loaves and Fishes, serves dinner Monday through Friday, and never turns anyone away. The non-profit receives donated food from Second Harvest Food Bank, private donors, grants and corporations like Costco.

For Thurmond its really quite simple. “Cooking for people makes me happy. I have fun because it’s how I communicate my thoughts, feelings and appreciation for those I serve. Loaves and Fishes is a wonderful place to work. Everyone has a positive attitude and we all take pride in the meals we serve to our community,” said Thurmond.