Cape Cod Chips invests in the future of local culinary community on the Cape

Cape Cod® Chips was inspired by the entrepreneurial vision of a local business owner in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Today, that same spirit continues through the Next Wave Culinary Career Initiative, a new partnership with Cape Cod Community College designed to support aspiring food entrepreneurs and strengthen the local food economy.

Kate Barrett, head of Community Affairs at The Campbell’s Company, presents the $250,000 check to Interim Community College President, Dr. Ellen Kennedy and Chief Workforce Development Officer for CCAPE, Tammi Jacobsen

Why Cape Cod Chips is investing in local culinary talent

This partnership reflects our commitment to the community where Cape Cod Chips began.

Backed by a $250,000 investment from Cape Cod Chips, the Next Wave Culinary Career Initiative will provide hands-on training, mentorship, leadership development and industry connections to help participants build the skills and confidence needed to grow in the food industry.

The initiative is designed to help strengthen Cape Cod’s food ecosystem and support future opportunities in the region.

All about the Next Wave Culinary Career Initiative

The program includes two complementary tracks:

Kitchen-to-Career Accelerator: Supports emerging food entrepreneurs as they develop and advance their business ideas.
Kitchen Leadership Lab: Supports culinary professionals looking to build leadership skills and grow their careers.

Over the next 18 months, the program is expected to support up to 30 entrepreneurs, help launch or advance 15 to 20 food businesses, and create up to 25 jobs across the region. The Kitchen Leadership Lab will start in November 2026 and the Kitchen-to-Career Accelerator will start in early 2027.

Jen Vondenbrink, lead culinary instructor at Cape Cod Community College, demonstrates a sample lesson from the new Kitchen Leadership Lab curriculum

“It means so much to be able to support the next generation of food entrepreneurs as they work to turn their ideas into reality. We’re thrilled to partner with Cape Cod Community College to support the talented students and employers in the region”
– Kate Barrett, Director of Community Affairs and President of The Campbell’s Foundation

Additional support for the community

We will make a $50,000 investment in The Family Pantry of Cape Cod to expand food access in Hyannis, and The Campbell’s Foundation’s annual grants program will continue to be open to Hyannis-area organizations over the next two years. In 2026, we supported both The Family Pantry of Cape Cod and Barnstable Land Trust with our Community Impact Grants.

chef gerald drummond, Campbell's executive chef

Apply for the Kitchen-to-Career Accelerator

Apply for the Kitchen Leadership Lab

FAQ’s

Yes, Cape Cod is where our story began, and we’re proud to continue investing in the community. We are committed to maintaining a longstanding presence through various community partnerships, initiatives, and support for local culinary programs. We recently announced the Next Wave Culinary Career Initiative, a new partnership with Cape Cod Community College focused on supporting aspiring food entrepreneurs and strengthening the local food economy. Additionally through The Campbell’s Foundation, we have supported organizations serving the Cape since 2020, including The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Barnstable Land Trust, and Island Grown Initiative.

No, Cape Cod chips will continue to be produced at Campbell’s existing Snacks plants in the U.S. The Hyannis site produced only 4% volume of Cape Cod chips, with the remainder produced out of other Snacks plants.

The majority of Cape Cod chips are produced at Campbell’s Snacks facilities outside of Cape Cod and have been made there for many years. The 4% volume of chips produced at the Hyannis plant have transitioned to facilities in Beloit, WI, Charlotte, NC, and Hanover, PA.

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