You may know the USDA as the helpful folks who oversee farmers and grade your groceries. But there is more to the USDA than just food. Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has evolved to meet the needs of rural America, partnering with developers and citizen groups on everything from community lending to utilities and health services. Of course, that doesnt mean they dont love a good nutrition project.
In a best-of-both-worlds scenario, the USDA announced a partnership this week with NurtriCore Northeast, an initiative designed to promote collaborative research on food and nutrition and stimulate a nutrition-focused economy. In a July 15th presentation ceremony, the USDA presented NutriCore Northeast with a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $99,000. This funding will create a shared kitchen incubator program called YorKitchen, in support of York Countys varied food entrepreneurs.
The whole purpose is to stimulate small business growth by providing access to not only a commercial kitchen but also entrepreneurial support assistance, says NutriCore Northeast Vice Chair Kenetha Hansen. You may make the best pie in the world but many entrepreneurs may need additional business support.
After a 2006 feasibility study determined an entrepreneurial base of foodie professionals in need of a unifying resource center, the idea of a community kitchen was rolled into the NutriCore initiative. Working with the York County Economic Development Corporation, the idea finally hit the ear of someone who could help; the USDA. And while the project is designed to create economic development through food, Hansen says she is just glad Yorks foodies and farmers have a place to exchange ideas.
It could be a farmer who makes pies from fruit crops or cider from apples; it could be a caterer who is trying to start a catering business but is not large enough to support their own commercial kitchen, Hansen says. These ideas certainly could lead to restaurants but we want this project to have a wide appeal in the types of users it attracts.
Source: Kenetha Hansen, NutriCore Northeast
Writer: John Steele