No More Empty Pots is developing a food hub based on a system of interdependent activities that deliver positive outcomes in job training, workforce readiness, food waste reduction, healthy food access in underserved areas, income generation, and business development. No More Empty Pots food hub programs support young people and adults in cultivating educational and career pathways. The programs are designed to take participant strengths and talents and further develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace and become self-sufficient leading to economic resilience. “Wells Fargo is very supportive of programs like the Collaborative Community Centered Food Hub. Organizations such as No More Empty Pots are making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we are glad to contribute to the positive change they are creating,” shared Cristina V. Castro-Matukewicz, Community Affairs Manager at Wells Fargo.
With the construction and opening of the food hub, No More Empty Pots will build on the success of proven models. The food hub will house a shared use commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs to rent by the hour similar to LaCocina, an incubator program also supported by Wells Fargo. It will also feature a 14 week community based culinary training program similar to the one run by DC Central Kitchen (www.dccentralkitchen.org). A community café will provide customer service and barista training areas and a place for entrepreneurs to test products before launching to a larger market. Local foods systems ventures need expertise like marketing, logistics, and software application development to grow and scale. The on-site business incubator will support these emerging small businesses and further leverage the expertise and resources of the local startup ecosystem.
Aspiring and emerging food-focused small business owners, here is your chance! Complete the survey to receive your invitation to the launch event on July 23 at 10:30am. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Invitational here.
If you are interested in co-sponsoring with Wells Fargo, let’s talk.
Thank you Wells Fargo!
