Inter-Faith Food Shuttle feeds, educates with culinary program

"A lot of those children get lunch at school, but they may not get a full dinner, so we go into neighborhoods and bring them a nice dinner," Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Chef Terri Hutter said. 

Last week, the group started prepping early Thanksgiving meals for children in low-income areas and for seniors. Butterball donated more than 120 turkeys to the cause.

"Everyone loves turkey, whether it's on Thanksgiving or a week ahead of time," Hutter said. 

What the recipients might not know is that the people preparing the meals are learning needed skills to help land food service jobs. 

"Every chef wants to be on one of those shows where they give you a 'mystery box' (of ingredients). We do that every day because we don't know what's coming in on donation," Hutter said. 

Richard Carter, who has been in the program for seven weeks, hopes to get a good job in the food industry so he can give back to his neighborhood. 

Carter said he hopes to "own a food truck and feed the community for free." 

With the holidays, the food shuttle is requesting even more food donations and financial help. Through December, The Stewards Fund will be matching new and increased contributions dollar-for-dollar.