The Foodservice Institute of America, based in Pleasantville, N.J., is a nearly two-year-old nonprofit organization with a mission to improve communication and collaboration across the foodservice industry—between operators, chefs, suppliers, manufacturers, educators, pretty much anyone and everyone.
The FIA, a young organization with only about 150 members, seeks to create supportive partnerships and collaborative relationships with other organizations, said Marsha Diamond, who joined the association in December as its executive director.
After a symposium in Houston about the future of the foodservice profession, FIA members divided into action teams to tackle different challenges for the industry, including improving its image as an attractive place to work and have a career, encouraging students to pursue foodservice careers, and recruiting multigenerations.
The action teams that tackled those challenges hit on an idea that has generated a great response from members and nonmembers, Diamond said. As a result, the FIA has begun working with Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that assists military veterans, including those who are disabled, in finding civilian jobs.
What was the reason behind creating these action teams?
Out of the discussion during the symposium came the issue of the lack of available personnel and talent across the foodservice industry. People need to see, yes, it is a place to flip burgers, but it also offers a career ladder. The teams are looking at image as well as recruiting.
Why are you getting such a strong response to the Hire Heroes program?
I think everyone recognizes this is a great opportunity to reach out to returning soldiers with career opportunities. Here is someone who knows leadership, has been trained and can manage. But veterans, particularly disabled ones, may not think they can find a career ladder.
So how can the FIA point them to foodservice as a possible career?
We’re the link between Hire Heroes and foodservice companies. We have dozens of companies that have approached us, members and nonmembers, who want to recruit and hire veterans. It’s really a rewarding program that helps both the foodservice industry acquire great talent and give recognition to the men and women who have served and protected our country. It’s a win-win.
