Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2018
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MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS EXPANSION OF PRISONER FOOD TECH EDUCATION PROGRAM
Announcement of support for Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections’ Budget
Announcement of support for Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections’ Budget
LANSING, MICH. – The restaurant industry has long prided itself as the industry of first opportunities and second chances. As such, the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) went on the record today supporting Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections’ Budget and Subcommittee Chairman, Senator John Proos, in his efforts to expand the prisoner Food Technology Education Program with the Michigan Department of Corrections.
In 2013, the MRA began a partnership with the Department of Corrections, whereby its acclaimed ProStart and ServSafe curriculum—the statewide standard in culinary arts, restaurant management and food safety training—was incorporated into the state’s prison Career and Technical Education system. Today, approximately 300 inmates across ten facilities receive training and stackable credentials that are recognized by the industry, making them attractive hires upon release.
While the program has worked well to date, the workforce demands of the restaurant industry are much greater than the supply. In a recent statewide survey of its membership, MRA members overwhelmingly proclaimed “workforce shortage” as their primary challenge as operators, far outpacing any other concerns.
“The restaurant industry continues to grow faster than the overall economy in Michigan,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “We hear daily from our members that recruiting and retaining enough employees is their number one concern. This industry has always been ready to provide someone willing to work with a second chance. Given our current environment, that sentiment has never been more relevant and needed.”
Language proposed in Senate Bill 852 recommended expanding the Food Technology Education program to at least 1,000 prisoners, more than tripling current participation. It also incorporated on-site work opportunities within the prison food system, which will allow a trainee to earn a “Certificate of Achievement” upon completion of the ProStart program if they can log 400 hours of practical application.
“The on-site training incorporated in the Senate’s budget is a game changer,” said Winslow. “If a prisoner can achieve a ProStart Certificate of Achievement, they become eligible for the new Restaurant Manager Apprenticeship program, accredited by the United States Department of Labor in Michigan. Now we’re talking about creating a realistic pathway towards a comfortable middle-class income with benefits, which is a win for the industry and the state seeking to successfully rehabilitate its prisoners.”
In 2013, the MRA began a partnership with the Department of Corrections, whereby its acclaimed ProStart and ServSafe curriculum—the statewide standard in culinary arts, restaurant management and food safety training—was incorporated into the state’s prison Career and Technical Education system. Today, approximately 300 inmates across ten facilities receive training and stackable credentials that are recognized by the industry, making them attractive hires upon release.
While the program has worked well to date, the workforce demands of the restaurant industry are much greater than the supply. In a recent statewide survey of its membership, MRA members overwhelmingly proclaimed “workforce shortage” as their primary challenge as operators, far outpacing any other concerns.
“The restaurant industry continues to grow faster than the overall economy in Michigan,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “We hear daily from our members that recruiting and retaining enough employees is their number one concern. This industry has always been ready to provide someone willing to work with a second chance. Given our current environment, that sentiment has never been more relevant and needed.”
Language proposed in Senate Bill 852 recommended expanding the Food Technology Education program to at least 1,000 prisoners, more than tripling current participation. It also incorporated on-site work opportunities within the prison food system, which will allow a trainee to earn a “Certificate of Achievement” upon completion of the ProStart program if they can log 400 hours of practical application.
“The on-site training incorporated in the Senate’s budget is a game changer,” said Winslow. “If a prisoner can achieve a ProStart Certificate of Achievement, they become eligible for the new Restaurant Manager Apprenticeship program, accredited by the United States Department of Labor in Michigan. Now we’re talking about creating a realistic pathway towards a comfortable middle-class income with benefits, which is a win for the industry and the state seeking to successfully rehabilitate its prisoners.”
About the Michigan Restaurant Association
Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents nearly 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 435,000 people and creating $15.9 billion in annual sales.
Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents nearly 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 435,000 people and creating $15.9 billion in annual sales.
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