BLOC Teaching Kitchen
Food. Friendship. Future.
BLOC Teaching Kitchen is a culinary job training program with two locations in Lower Price Hill (State Ave) and East Price Hill (McPherson Avenue). Through hands-on cooking instruction, life-skills development, and workforce training, we equip students with the tools they need for future employment in the food industry.
Two Locations, One Mission
McPherson Avenue – SOAK Culinary Course
The McPherson Ave. Teaching Kitchen is home to the SOAK (Souls of a Kitchen) Culinary Course, a free, 12-week program designed to train individuals (ages 16-24) for careers in the food service industry. Many participants have learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, or justice-involvement, making this program a critical step toward employment and stability.
What students learn in SOAK:
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques
- Commercial Kitchen Operations
- Customer Service & Catering Basics
- ServSafe Certification Prep
Led by Chef J. Pitts, who brings over 40 years of culinary experience, SOAK graduates leave with valuable skills and job placements in the restaurant industry.
State Ave – Culinary Education for Students
The State Ave Teaching Kitchen partners with Western Hills High School to provide culinary education for students with special needs. This location also hosts:
- After-School Programs for youth (ages 13-16), teaching cooking, nutrition, and catering.
- Junior Chef Camps for kids ages 12 and under, introducing them to healthy eating and basic cooking techniques.
More Than a Kitchen—A Pathway to Success
BLOC Teaching Kitchen is not just about food—it’s about transformation. We partner with Santa Maria Community Services to provide:
- Job Coaching for at-risk youth and young adults.
- Stipends for students in need to offset financial barriers.
- Support for ServSafe Certification costs, helping students secure better-paying jobs.
Why It Matters
Many of our students come from challenging backgrounds, including homelessness, addiction recovery, and incarceration. The Teaching Kitchen provides them with:
- A structured, supportive learning environment
- Real job experience and industry connections
- The confidence and skills needed to build a brighter future
At BLOC Teaching Kitchen, we believe that good food has the power to change lives—one meal, one skill, and one opportunity at a time.
For information about programs at the McPherson Ave. Teaching Kitchen, contact Chef J. Pitts
For more information about programs at the State St. Teaching Kitchen, contact Chef Steph