Mobile Cooking
Corpsmembers from all CCC centers gained hands-on training in Mobile Kitchen Unit operations during a three-day training.
When disasters strike, fueling first responders becomes a critical support function. To fill this role, CCC Corpsmembers are training in a new Mobile Kitchen Unit (MKU). This fully equipped food service trailer enables crews to deploy and serve meals during fires, floods, and earthquakes and other emergencies.
“I’m definitely intimidated. It’s very small and compact,” said Vista Corpsmember Cameron Lopez during his first tour of the mobile kitchen. “There’s definitely going to be a lot of yelling and cooking noises, but I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Through classroom lessons, equipment walkthroughs, and hands-on prep, Corpsmembers from across the state are learning critical skills so they can mobilize at a moment’s notice, prepare hot meals under pressure, and fuel up first responders when they need it most.
WATCH: MKU Training in Action
Before Corpsmembers started cooking from inside the MKU, they went through basic ServSafe training and classroom instruction.
“We’re going over the basic procedures, including ServeSafe,” said Cameron. “There’s plenty of washing hands, food prep, policies within here and what they expect from us.”
For the MKU’s first test run, 28 Corpsmembers prepared brisket sandwiches with potatoes and vegetables, serving approximately 200 personnel at the CCC Delta Center. The exercise simulated real conditions, helping culinary crews understand the pace and coordination required during an actual emergency response.
“People need to be fed, but I don’t want to just see them as just another number,” said Corpsmember Isabel Guerrero. “My goal is to make them feel seen, appreciated that they’re doing something for the greater good of everyone. That’s my way of saying thank you.”
Teamwork & Training
Supervising Cook Stephen Beck gives Corpsmembers instructions on how to deploy support equipment for the mobile kitchen unit during training.
This training is also preparing CCC’s young adults for meaningful careers, equipping culinary Corpsmembers with valuable experience they can carry forward in their paths to success.
“I don’t want to work fast food my whole life, but I love cooking,” said Isabel. “In the CCC, I realized I can work in a kitchen, I can work with CAL FIRE, I can work a mobile kitchen unit. There’s so many other options… I’m actually setting something up for my life.”
Through CCC’s training programs, young adults will be ready to roll in every situation. If you or someone you know is interested in making meals that matter, learn more by visiting the Culinary webpage.
Meal Prep
Corpsmembers prepare ingredients in a tent in support of the mobile kitchen unit during training at the CCC Delta Center in Stockton.
