Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute Graduates its Tenth Class of Skilled Workers

Island Harvest Food Bank marked a milestone recently as it honored ten students graduating from the tenth cohort of its Workforce Skills Development Institute—an initiative representing a transformative shift in how food banks address the root causes of hunger and food insecurity.

Launched in January 2023, the Workforce Skills Development Institute equips unemployed, underemployed, or under-skilled individuals with in-demand competencies to compete in today’s job market and achieve greater financial stability. To date, 97 students completed the program which focuses on warehousing and inventory control with an impressive average employment rate among graduates of seventy-four percent.

“In tackling hunger, we must do more than provide food—we must provide pathways,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank. “Food assistance is critical, but it is a short-term intervention in a long-term public health crisis. Programs like our Workforce Skills Development Institute help break the systemic cycle of food insecurity by empowering people with the skills to secure stable employment and build a stronger future.”

“Our work stands at the crossroads of economic prosperity, social equity, and community growth, and it is with this purpose that we approach the training and development of our students,” stated Maria Arianas, Chief Workforce Development Officer.

“I know that we are all very grateful for the amazing opportunity given to us; the skills we've obtained, the friendships, professional relationships we've all gained, the experience and unforgettable memories, stated Devon Morgan, one of the graduates who made a commencement address. “We also thank the instructors who came and took their time every week, stayed patient with us, and wanted to see all of us succeed. Thank you for all the hard work you put into us. The confidence you've instilled in us will stay for a lifetime.”

Jayden Epps, another graduate of the tenth graduating cohort added, “As everybody knows, Island Harvest is known for fighting hunger across Long Island, but what they did for us goes beyond food. They fed our potential, nourished our confidence, and invested in our future.”

A longstanding partner in Island Harvest’s hunger-relief efforts and workforce initiatives, Bank of America funding helps support the Workforce Skills Development Institute. The bank also leads Better Money Habits training sessions to aid students in planning for their financial futures and big financial decisions.

“Bank of America has been proud to partner with Island Harvest for nearly two decades, reflecting our shared interest in expanding opportunities for Long Islanders confronting barriers to stability and long-term success,” said Marc Perez, president, Bank of America Long Island. “That common ground and the belief in Island Harvest’s leadership led Bank of America to become the founding partner of the Workforce Skills Development Institute, investing in career training initiatives that up-skill and re-skill individuals for in-demand careers and, ultimately, create their pathway to economic mobility.”

The Workforce Skills Development Institute provides a comprehensive curriculum with training and certifications in technical warehousing, inventory control, and workplace soft skills. Graduates earn six industry-recognized credentials, preparing them to enter the workforce with both technical proficiency and essential employability skills.

To reduce barriers and support success, the program offers stipends for attendance and transportation, weekly career coaching, and one full year of post-graduation support. These services play a vital role in student retention—helping this class, like the class before it, achieve a 100% completion rate.

Island Harvest continues to deepen partnerships with regional employers to align the program with local job market needs and connect graduates to employment opportunities. Since the program’s inception, the number of employer partners has tripled. Candidates are recruited through the NYS Department of Labor, Nassau and Suffolk County One‑Stop Career Centers, county Departments of Social Services, local nonprofit organizations, and Island Harvest’s network of member agencies across Long Island.

Program funders include Bank of America, Flagstar Bank, Nestle Health Science, TD Bank, Suffolk County Department of Labor, the Town of Hempstead, the Town of Oyster Bay, PSEG Long Island and the Workforce Development Institute.

For additional information about the Workforce Skills Development Institute, please contact Maria Arianas, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Island Harvest, at 631-873-4775, MariaA@islandharvest.org, or visit www.islandharvest.org/workforce-skills-development-institute/

About Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. We accomplish this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhanced hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, our organic farm, and efficient food collection and distribution. Our work directly supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to us in times of crisis and when needed and supports a network of 300 community-based nonprofit organizations. Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America?, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.islandharvest.org.