San Antonio Food Bank Recognized as Training Provider of the Year at Inaugural Workforce Solutions Alamo Impact Awards
We’re proud to share that the San Antonio Food Bank was named Training Provider of the Year at the inaugural Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) Impact Awards, which took place on May 28. The awards recognize organizations making a meaningful impact in workforce development across the 13-county Alamo region. This honor affirms our belief that fighting hunger goes hand-in-hand with building opportunity and that when our neighbors thrive, so does our community.
Over the past year, our Workforce Development team has helped hundreds of individuals take their next step—whether that’s gaining job-ready skills, earning certifications, or connecting with employment that offers stability and dignity. Through a wide range of programs, including digital literacy, forklift operation, and our Culinary Training Program, we’ve created multiple entry points for neighbors to build toward long-term success.
In 2023, our on-site partnership with Workforce Solutions Alamo deepened and expanded, allowing us to reach even more individuals directly at the Food Bank campus. This collaboration has been crucial in offering not just training, but wraparound support services that empower our neighbors with confidence, resources, and a plan.
One of those neighbors is Jaden Caldwell, a graduate of our culinary training program. “Before I started this culinary class, I didn’t know what my next steps in life would be,” Jaden shared.
“We learned to be more than line cooks; we were taught to become chefs. The program provided me with not just a skill set; it offered a pathway to sustainable and industry-aligned employment opportunities.”
Thanks to our embedded WSA office, clients like Jaden can walk into the Food Bank for food assistance and leave with access to career coaching, résumé help, job readiness training, and direct connections to employment.
That kind of transformation is what Gloria Valdez, a 10-year WSA employee who helped open the WSA division at the Food Bank, sees every day. “Working at the Food Bank’s WSA office has shown me how resilient and determined our neighbors are,” Gloria said. “It’s rewarding to see someone walk in needing help and leave with hope and a path forward.”
The success of our workforce development initiatives also contributes to broader efforts like San Antonio’s Ready to Work program, which has already enrolled nearly 5,000 individuals in training and education. Together with WSA and city partners, we’re working to close the gap between hunger and opportunity creating a future where families no longer have to choose between food and a paycheck.
“Working at the Food Bank’s WSA office has shown me how resilient and determined our neighbors are,” Gloria said. “It’s rewarding to see someone walk in needing help and leave with hope and a path forward.”
Winning the Training Provider of the Year award is more a milestone. But ensure that every job secured, every barrier removed, and every success story like Jaden’s brings us one step closer to building a stronger, more resilient community.
We’re grateful to Workforce Solutions Alamo for this recognition and for their continued partnership in the fight against hunger and poverty. Because when people are supported, possibilities grow and so does the impact we can make together. Because our mission isn’t just to end hunger, it’s to empower lives.