Shepherd's Table Inc

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR NEW CULINARY SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

Shepherd’s Table is a community-driven nonprofit based in Silver Spring, Maryland, serving individuals across the D.C. metro area who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty. For 42 years, we’ve provided more than 2 million chef-prepared meals—and never missed a day, even through blizzards, shutdowns, and pandemics. Our Daily Meals Program runs 365 days a year, and our Beyond the Table initiative delivers food to children and families through schools and partners. 

But food is only the beginning. We help guests move forward through access to social services, a Clothing Closet, transportation support, and pro bono legal help. Our Culinary Skills Training Program equips individuals with marketable experience to build careers in food service. We also operate the only free Eye Clinic in Montgomery County—restoring sight and saving lives. 

Many of our meal guests and clients need different kinds of access to educational opportunities for stable employment with livable wages. We have been connecting our clients with employers in our area for years but know that learning critical life skills is the key to creating  pathway towards lasting well-being. With the launch of our new Culinary Skills Training Program (CSTP), Shepherd’s Table is creating pathways to meaningful careers in the food service industry for community members facing challenges such as low wages, limited job opportunities, or gaps in hands-on experience. Participants will gain valuable training for a new career—while making a real difference by helping feed hungry Marylanders.

What is the CSTP? 

• A food service and self-empowerment program that will teach marketable restaurant skills and help place students in the culinary industry.
• The program includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in a professional kitchen, followed by a 4-week segment designed to provide structured field opportunities for gaining additional experience in the culinary field.  
• Students graduate the program ready to work in the food service industry and sustain employment with a ServSafe food handler certification, and professional kitchen experience. 

The increase in unhoused individuals has led to a significant rise in the demand for our services in recent times. With homelessness in Montgomery County rising by 32% since last year, your support is more crucial than ever. This past June we served over 1,000 more meals in our dining room than we did in June 2024.

Due to your generosity, we have been able to change lives one person at a time! Help us keep our new Culinary Skills Training program funded so that more of our neighbors can have a brighter future.