HACKENSACK — For the first time, and as part of a larger rehabilitation effort, Bergen County inmates participated in a culinary certification class to learn safe food handling practices.
The new program is part of the overhaul of the jail to give it a new name and stigma-free image spearheaded by Sheriff Anthony Cureton. He said he wants to create more opportunities for inmates to earn high school and career certificates for life after jail.
The facility was renamed last month and the word "jail" was removed. It was renamed the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center to highlight those changes and the future plans for more programs including improving the drug rehabilitation center and adding a 90-day intensive in-patient substance abuse treatment program for inmates.
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Cureton called the culinary program "groundbreaking" and said five participants will be just the first in a line to earn a ServSafe certification.
"We believe in providing our inmates with opportunities to learn and grow, both for their personal development and for their future reintegration into society," Cureton said. "This culinary class is an important step in offering practical skills that can lead to gainful employment upon release, reducing recidivism and promoting community safety."
Five inmates began the program on Wednesday that is offered by a certified culinary instructor with food provided by Aramark, the food service partner with the facility to ensure that inmates receive the hands-on training with the proper ingredients.
Participants in the culinary class will receive comprehensive training in food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling techniques. Upon successful completion of the course, inmates will be eligible to take the ServSafe certification exam, a recognized standard in the food service industry that can open doors to various employment opportunities.
Last month, nine inmates graduated with their General Education Development certificates as part of the GED program, or the equivalent to a high school diploma.
Since Passaic County joined the operations, Cureton said there has been more of an interest in the program and Bergen County has tried to put more technology in place to accommodate the demand. There are also talks of working with Bergen Community College to expand the program after an inmate has received a GED certificate.
Cureton said he found other ideas for the county at a recent Sheriffs' Association meeting. He said he wants inmates scheduled for release in the next year to receive culinary or forklift certificates.
"We are looking at various education programs, vocational training, substance abuse, mental health training, life skill training, and work release programs," Cureton previously said. "There are several things we have our hands in to give inmates a type of direction."
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