NSCC, Root Partnership A Win-Win For Student Diners, Future Culinary Workers

DANVERS, MA — North Shore Community College announced a new partnership with Salem-based nonprofit Root, which will become the college's official food service and catering partner beginning in the fall 2026 semester.

The service will operate at the college's Lynn and Danvers campuses, serving students and employees in campus cafeterias from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

Root works on two connected issues: youth unemployment and food insecurity. The nonprofit serves young adults ages 16 to 26 who are facing barriers to success through culinary training and employment programs.

NSCC said the partnership marks a new chapter for campus dining and will add updated service options for students, faculty and staff.

The college said the rollout will include online ordering and advance pickup options.

Dining services will be available on both campuses. The partnership is also expected to create 15 to 20 new employment opportunities for Root graduates, including roles with room to grow into higher-responsibility positions, along with introduction and access to certificate and degree programs at NSCC.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Root to the NSCC family," said NSCC President William Heineman. "Through this partnership, NSCC is investing in a local organization that shares our fundamental commitment to education, opportunity, and community well-being.

"Together, we are building a collaboration that supports our students, strengthens our community, and creates meaningful workforce development opportunities right here on the North Shore."

Root said its Culinary Training Program and Alumni Employment Program help equip young adults with industry-recognized credentials, life skills and continued career support after graduation. The nonprofit also said its Community Catering Program produces meals for local distribution partners, addressing food insecurity while supporting local farms and creating employment for alumni.

"Root is thrilled to partner with North Shore Community College to bring fresh, scratch-made food to the Lynn and Danvers campuses," said Nate Berkowitz, executive director of Root. "We opened our doors in Salem in 2017 to train young adults who have too often been overlooked or underestimated for good, stable culinary careers.

"This partnership lets us do that work on an even bigger stage-nourishing NSCC students and staff while creating new jobs for our graduates, some of whom are already taking classes on these very campuses."