The FoodWorks Alliance kitchen was buzzing with activity on the morning of April 27th, as Oliver Farms came in for a whirlwind production session. In just a short time, their team produced an impressive 35 gallons of their delicious marinara sauce, filling the space with the unmistakable aroma of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and hard work.
Seeing our kitchen members in action is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Oliver Farms brought focus, efficiency, and enthusiasm to every step of the process — a perfect example of how local makers use our shared kitchen to scale their products and strengthen their businesses.
We’re proud to support Oliver Farms on their journey and grateful for the energy they brought into the space today. Stay tuned — there’s always something exciting simmering at FoodWorks Alliance.
Trainee Spotlight: Introducing Nicole!
We’re excited to introduce Nicole, who joined our Recovery With a Purpose program with a clear vision for her future and a deep love for cooking. The kitchen has always been a place where she feels grounded, creative, and connected, making this program a natural fit as she continued building stability in her recovery journey.
From the start, Nicole was eager to strengthen her baking skills and embrace a consistent routine that supported her growth. She approached each day with determination, leaning on her boys, her sponsor, her faith, and her own resilience — the same strength that carried her to an inspiring 20 months and 12 days of sobriety.
When we asked what food best represents her personality, she chose chili: warm, flavorful, sometimes spicy, and always striving to do the next right thing.
After five meaningful weeks in our program, Nicole made the decision to pursue new opportunities in the food industry — a path that aligns beautifully with her passion and talent. Having her in our kitchen was truly a joy, and we’re grateful for the time we had to watch her grow.
We cannot wait to see the amazing things she goes on to do.
Upcoming Hands‑On Workshops with OSU Extension Educator Alexus Masterson
FoodWorks Alliance is excited to partner with OSU Extension Educator Alexus Masterson to offer a series of hands‑on, skill‑building workshops throughout 2026. These classes are designed for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning practical, creative kitchen techniques in a supportive community setting.
All workshops will be held at FoodWorks Alliance, 2725 Pinkerton Ln., Zanesville, OH 43701, and run from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Each session includes guided instruction, take‑home products, and plenty of time for questions and practice. The cost is $20 per workshop, and registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided.
2026 Workshop Lineup
-May 19, 2026 – Sourdough Workshop Learn the fundamentals of sourdough, and take home your own starter!
-August 4, 2026 – Hot Pepper Jelly Discover how to safely prepare and preserve a flavorful hot pepper jelly—perfect for glazing, gifting, or pairing with cheese boards.
-December 15, 2026 – Dry Soup Mix Gift Jar Workshop Create beautiful, shelf‑stable soup mix jars just in time for the holidays. These make thoughtful, homemade gifts with a personal touch.
These workshops offer a great opportunity to build new skills, meet fellow food lovers, and support local food education.
Free Level 1 Food Safety Training — Partnering for a Safer Community
FoodWorks Alliance is proud to host the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department for a series of free Level 1 Food Safety trainings. These sessions are open to local food staff, restaurant teams, and community members who want practical, up‑to‑date guidance on safe food handling.
2026 Training Dates and Time
- Tuesday, September 16, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: FoodWorks Alliance (inside the MVHC Building), 2725 Pinkerton Lane, Zanesville, OH
What the Training Covers
- Essential food safety practices for preparing, storing, and serving food safely.
- Practical tips to protect customers and reduce foodborne illness risk.
- Guidance tailored for small businesses, shared kitchens, and community food programs.
Attending helps strengthen local businesses, protect patrons, and support a healthier community.
Registration
These trainings are free but registration is required. To reserve your spot register below.
Email CarleighW@zmchd.org for more details.
FoodWorks Alliance is offering a two‑day ServSafe Food Manager Certification program for food professionals looking to strengthen their food‑safety knowledge and earn or renew their certification. For more than 10 years, we’ve been proud to host these trainings, providing expert instruction and on‑site testing to make certification both convenient and career‑focused. Lunch will be provided on both days.
The program will be held twice in 2026, on June 16 & 17 and again on October 6 & 7. The fee is $200 for participants taking the digital exam (a laptop is required) and $250 for those choosing the paper exam option.
Throughout the two days, attendees will receive real‑world, expert‑led instruction designed to prepare them for the ServSafe Food Manager Certification Exam. With the exam offered on‑site, participants can complete or renew their certification without additional scheduling or travel. Whether you’re advancing your career or ensuring compliance with food‑safety standards, this program is built to support your success.
Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged. Reserve your spot below and take the next step toward professional growth and food‑safety excellence with FoodWorks Alliance.
Celebrating Brittany
As we look back on graduates of our Recovery With a Purpose training program, we are especially proud to highlight the incredible progress of Brittany, whose time with us was marked by steady growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of confidence.
From the moment she joined the program, Brittany brought a warm smile, a strong work ethic, and a genuine kindness that made her a joy to work alongside. She arrived each day ready to learn, ask questions, and take on new challenges — a consistency that quickly became one of her greatest strengths.
Over the course of her 12 weeks, Brittany rediscovered parts of herself she thought she had lost. She became more socially and physically active, embraced new skills, and found confidence in the kitchen. One of her proudest accomplishments was learning to make pies — something she had never attempted before and soon mastered with enthusiasm. Her delicious cakes and expertly crafted pie crusts became highlights for our entire team.
Reflecting on her experience, Brittany shared, “I learned how to make different recipes in the kitchen and helped gain some confidence back.” That renewed confidence carried her through the final weeks of the program as she began exploring job opportunities and taking meaningful steps toward independence in the culinary field.
Since graduating, Brittany has moved into a new opportunity within our local food scene, and we couldn’t be more excited for her. Her journey reflects exactly what Recovery With a Purpose is designed to support: practical kitchen skills, personal growth, and a clear path forward.
Congratulations, Double Shot Espresso Company!
We’re excited to share some wonderful news from one of our former kitchen members. Double Shot Espresso Company has officially opened their brand‑new roastery! Located at 2930 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701. This milestone represents years of hard work, passion, and commitment to delivering exceptional coffee to our community.
Their new space is a beautiful step forward in their journey, allowing them to expand their craft and continue bringing bold, fresh flavors to the region. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with them and look forward to seeing what comes next.
Congratulations to Double Shot Espresso Company on this exciting new chapter!
Be sure to check out their amazing products at The Zanesville Farmers Market or on the Double Shot Espresso Company website.
