The Palm Beach County Food Bank (PBCFB) recently appointed Doug Barg as its new culinary director. As a newly minted Royal Palm Beach resident, Barg is bringing his culinary expertise to oversee the food bank’s community kitchen.
The nonprofit’s newly opened 24,000-square-foot expansion is projected to feed up to 10,000 hot, nutritious meals a day. In his role, Barg will systematically launch all of PBCFB’s culinary programs to prepare children and senior meals, lead culinary training programs, as well as host event spaces and culinary social enterprises.
“We are thrilled to have Doug’s decades of culinary expertise help us fight hunger,” PBCFB CEO Jamie Kendall said. “His background runs the gamut from fine dining, managing bulk production and teaching culinary school. So, we know we are in good hands for getting more meals out the door and empowering local residents to grow their skill sets if they have an interest in joining the food service industry.”
Prior to entering the workforce, Barg obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Boston University. His experience includes many culinary roles at high-end restaurants and resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton, the Chesterfield Hotel, the Hotel Washington, Edson Hill Manor, Topnotch Resort and Spa, and more. Additionally, he was a celebrated chef instructor at the New England Culinary Institute.
“It’s an honor to be among such committed, kind and passionate people doing their part to relieve food insecurity here in Palm Beach County,” Barg said. “It’s a goal of mine to be the connective tissue between all facets of the community kitchen and to teach culinary techniques to future chefs, using their apprenticeship to feed into our meal programs and ultimately into the future of feeding our neighbors.”
The PBCFB procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers and other sources and distributes to almost 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and residential housing programs. PBCFB programs reach families, children and seniors, and connect those in need to available benefits and resources. Partner agencies distribute the products received, including culturally appropriate food and necessities like household products. This process ensures families have access to food when they need it most.
Visit www.pbcfoodbank.org for more information about the community kitchen’s culinary training programs, event spaces and workshops.
