Johnny, guest-turned-chef

Now regular chef at Refettorio Antoniano, Johnny himself was once a guest of the project. Born in Peru, Johnny came to Italy with his wife to start a new life, but immediately struggled to find stable employment. Thanks to the support of Food for Soul and Antoniano Onlus, Johnny had the opportunity to join an internship program held by one of the guest chefs who had visited the Social Tables in 2016. Once the internship ended, Johnny was hired by the Antoniano to become the regular chef in charge of the Monday dinner service and to help with the daily lunch service.“The staff of the Antoniano and Food for Soul saved my life,” said Johnny. “In Peru I used to drive cars for living. Now I’m a chef. I would never go back to driving cars even if I was given the chance. The perception I have of myself has changed.”