Recipe for Change provides culinary instruction, job skills training, fine arts enrichment, and mentorship to detainees at Cook County Jail. We strive to empower our students and equip them with the tools necessary to gain employment upon reentry thereby reducing recidivism.
Recipe for Change was founded by Chef Bruno Abate in 2014. The program began as an opportunity for male detainees of Cook County Jail to receive an introduction to healthy food, good nutrition, and the art of quality cooking through live cooking demonstrations in a small onsite kitchen. It has since expanded to support both men and women, and now includes a structured curriculum where students earn culinary certificates, a rigorous pizza internship opportunity, a music production program, and an art studio.
Research shows that post-incarceration employment is a significant factor to reducing recidivism rates. Our culinary programs focus on equipping students with tools and skills that will both increase the number of employment opportunities available to our students and the likelihood of employment upon reentry.
Our programs also provide a creative outlet for our students whether it be through food, art, or music. We believe in the restorative power of creativity and the positive effects it can have on mental health. Jail is a trying place on people physically and mentally. Our team is committed to fostering an environment that is built around community, positivity, and collaboration in order to support our students and help them be successful.