The Center of Culinary Cultivation (CCC)
The Sow Project’s training program stems from the work of The Center of Culinary Cultivation (CCC), whose mission is to empower young people to become catalysts for change in their communities. By improving the health of individuals and the food system, we are creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
At the heart of our collective is a deep commitment to nurturing and cultivating talent. We believe in equipping them with professional culinary skills, not just for their personal growth but also to contribute to the health and wellness of their communities. We focus on sustainable, locally sourced food products and teaching healthy ingredient selection.
Educate & Employ
The Sow Project, a program of CCC, is a free culinary job training program available to unemployed and underemployed individuals.
Each step in the program is designed to:
Secure gainful employment for students
Provide a foundation for what it takes to be a great employee, even beyond the kitchen
Nurture and cultivate talent
Teach students how to use nutritious, locally sourced ingredients
Give students the opportunity to earn liveable wages while they learn
Each culinary student is provided with uniforms, textbooks, and other assistance so they can concentrate on their training with fewer distractions. Our employment specialists also provide financial literacy training, wrap-around services, and in-house job placement assistance.
Culinary Training Starts With Our People
The restaurant industry is full of talent – people who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or pushed out of opportunity. We’re here to change that.
The Sow Project cultivates the whole person by providing professional culinary training, workplace readiness, financial literacy and life skills, and on-the-job training with competitive wages. We believe that everyone deserves a shot at stability, dignity, and a future worth cooking for.
This is more than a program. It’s a shift in the system.
Support Our Work
The Sow Project is based in North Mississippi and serves Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Nevada, and Louisiana. Your gift, no matter the size, can create a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Join us in making a positive impact by donating today.
The Center of Culinary Cultivation, and its program, The Sow Project, is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-1941763). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Leadership Team
CCC is supported by a passionate leadership team with diverse backgrounds in hospitality, education, and community development. Together, they guide our mission to educate, nourish, and create opportunities for those in the communities we serve.
Stories that Nourish
From student spotlights to signature recipes, behind-the-scenes moments to CCC news – The Journal is where our stories come to life. See how lives are changing, discover what’s simmering in our kitchens, and get inspired by the people who make The Sow Project so powerful.
Student Application
Are you interested in exploring a culinary career? Fill out our Online Application, and we will be in touch shortly. All applications will be considered.
Partner With Purpose
Great things happen when we work together. Whether you're an employer, donor, or community ally, your partnership helps us plant deeper roots and create lasting impact. Learn how you can join us in cultivating the next generation of culinary leaders.
