Empowering Long Islanders: Job Training as a Holistic Response to Food Insecurity
“This program has changed by my life. Having people in my ear, keeping me accountable, being surrounded by positivity, and seeing that people care makes all the difference in the world.”
- Roman K., Program Graduate, Spring 2023
As part of Island Harvest’s innovative approach to hunger relief, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute equips residents facing employment barriers with in-demand skills and certifications—preparing them for meaningful careers in Warehousing and Inventory Control with local employers.
Empowering Long Islanders: Job Training as a Holistic Response to Food Insecurity
“This program has changed by my life. Having people in my ear, keeping me accountable, being surrounded by positivity, and seeing that people care makes all the difference in the world.”
- Roman K., Program Graduate, Spring 2023
As part of Island Harvest’s innovative approach to hunger relief, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute equips residents facing employment barriers with in-demand skills and certifications—preparing them for meaningful careers in Warehousing and Inventory Control with local employers.
Program Features:
10 weeks of training
Classes are scheduled
Monday – Friday (9-3)
12 months of post-grad coaching
Multiple training credentials
No cost to students
Wraparound services & stipends
Active employer participation
Credentialing Includes:
Workforce Harassment Prevention Training
Forklift and Electric Pallet Jack
OSHA-10 General Industry
NRF Rise Up Supply Chain, Inventory, and Logistics
ServSafe Food Handler Safety
Computer Fundamentals
Program Requirements:
Age 18+
High School diploma or GED
Completion of career-based assessment
Math & reading assessments, in-person interview
Eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Consent to background check
Program Calendar:
Fall 2025:
September 8th
Winter 2026:
January 12th
Spring 2026:
April 13th
Program Features:
10 weeks of training
Classes are scheduled
Monday – Friday (9-3)
12 months of post-grad coaching
Multiple training credentials
No cost to students
Wraparound services & stipends
Active employer participation
Credentialing Includes:
Workforce Harassment Prevention Training
Forklift and Electric Pallet Jack
OSHA-10 General Industry
NRF Rise Up Supply Chain, Inventory, and Logistics
ServSafe Food Handler Safety
Computer Fundamentals
Program Requirements:
Age 18+
High School diploma or GED
Completion of career-based assessment
Math & reading assessments, in-person interview
Eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Consent to background check
Program Features:
10 weeks of training
12 months of post-grad coaching
Multiple training credentials
No cost to students
Wraparound services & stipends
Active employer participation
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute in the News:
WPIX: Workforce Skills Development Training Graduation: Transitioning from Uncertainty to Stability (7/10/25)
News12 Long Island: Island Harvest Starts Program to Help Put Food on Tables as Lines at Food Bank Grow (4/8/25)
Newsday: Training Program Breaks Barriers (1/6/25)
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute in the News:
WPIX: Workforce Skills Development Training Graduation: Transitioning from Uncertainty to Stability (7/10/25)
News12 Long Island: Island Harvest Starts Program to Help Put Food on Tables as Lines at Food Bank Grow (4/8/25)
Newsday: Training Program Breaks Barriers (1/6/25)
Program Success:
To date, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute has graduated eight classes of students. Graduates are making an average salary of $20/hour and are employed at leading Long Island businesses including:
Graduate Spotlight: Meet Stephanie Grodski
Stephanie Grodski joined Island Harvest’s inaugural Workforce Skills Development Institute cohort in September 2022, seeking a fresh start in warehousing and inventory control. She embraced the opportunity to gain hands-on training and take advantage of the program’s one year of coaching and career counseling.
A dedicated and engaged participant, Stephanie followed through on every step of the program. Thanks to her commitment, she secured a full-time position as a Receiver with DiCarlo Food Services—one of our valued Employer Partners—shortly after graduating in February 2023.
Stephanie has continued to grow with the help of post-graduate coaching, navigating job transitions, housing changes, and accessing supportive services. Today, she enjoys job security, medical benefits, and improved housing.
We’re proud of Stephanie’s journey and all she’s achieved—congratulations!
For More Information: Call (631) 973-4775 x276 or email Workforce@islandharvest.org
Graduate Spotlight: Meet Stephanie Grodski
Stephanie Grodski joined Island Harvest’s inaugural Workforce Skills Development Institute cohort in September 2022, seeking a fresh start in warehousing and inventory control. She embraced the opportunity to gain hands-on training and take advantage of the program’s one year of coaching and career counseling.
A dedicated and engaged participant, Stephanie followed through on every step of the program. Thanks to her commitment, she secured a full-time position as a Receiver with DiCarlo Food Services—one of our valued Employer Partners—shortly after graduating in February 2023.
Stephanie has continued to grow with the help of post-graduate coaching, navigating job transitions, housing changes, and accessing supportive services. Today, she enjoys job security, medical benefits, and improved housing.
We’re proud of Stephanie’s journey and all she’s achieved—congratulations!
For More Information: Call (631) 873-4775 x276 or email Workforce@islandharvest.org
Employer Partners
Workforce Skills Development Institute proudly partners with leading Long Island business to provide training, support, and employment opportunities to our students and graduates:
Program Sponsors
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute is generously sponsored by:
Workforce Development Institute Team
Maria Arianas – Chief Workforce Development Officer
Jennifer Fusco – Workforce Development Program Supervisor
Sonja Lyles – Workforce Development Senior Career Coordinator
Bella Green – Workforce Development Program Assistant
Contact: (631) 873-4775 x276 or email Workforce@islandharvest.org