The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has been awarded more than $240,000 to support food safety and management leadership training series.
The grant, funded by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will pay for one year of training, beginning this month. Areas of training include entry-level food handler training; national food safety certification; and “soft skills,” such as developing leadership potential of staff and supervisors.
Funds are available to train NJFC member food workers in proper food handling, health and safety practices including certifications for national food safety courses. This award upgrades the skills, qualifications and employability of the state’s food industry workforce.
“This award marks yet another year of our immensely successful grant-funded training partnership with Rutgers,” said Linda Doherty, NJFC president. She noted that NJFC members have benefited from more than $3.1 million in grants that have helped members train more than 26,000 associates since the program was launched in 2002.
The program also includes often-sought training in team building, peer-to-supervisor interaction, critical thinking, change management, performance management and dealing with difficult situations as well as other important leadership topics.
“This program is an example of why we have a strong and active membership,” Doherty said. “NJFC continues to develop programs and partnerships we believe will help our members stay competitive and achieve greater success as brick-and-mortar retailers.”
