A community space that will
extend the once-a-week presence of the Farmers' Market, the Store will
sell farm-fresh goods from certified growers and healthy prepared foods
that feature the freshest in local produce. The Community Kitchen will
offer cooking classes and demonstrations on preparing fresh produce.
Programs in nutrition, food budgeting, and food-related economic development
will be targeted toward low income populations and funded with store
revenues and grants. The project is currently in the stage of assessing
community needs and market opportunities for the facility, and planning
to initiate and implement nutrition programs for low income Hollywood
residents.
1) Community Sustainability
- creation of a sustainable, integrated food security system by linking
two existing, low-cost food supplies with an economic development element
that will ensure the community's ability to sustain its own food sources;
2) Food and Nutrition Education
- a continuing program of instruction, by food and nutrition specialists,
in the benefits, use, and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables;
3) Microenterprise Development
- resources available to participants wanting to start small businesses,
including instruction in and use of food processing equipment, small
business management consulting, and entrepreneurship training;
4) Access to a Supply of
Fresh Foods - diversion of farmers' market surplus and participation
in community gardening projects to increase the availability of fresh
produce at reasonable prices to the inner-city population;
5) Promotion of the Certified
Farmers' Market concept - building farmers' markets into local food
security systems and promoting their benefits directly to local residents
and also to local economic development;
6) Sustainability of California
Small Farmers - an increase in the number of venues in which small family
farmers can sell their products, as well as a greater customer base
made up of urban residents who increasingly incorporate fresh produce
into their diets;
7) Job Creation/Training
- providing participants with marketable skills that can lead to entry-level
jobs in the food industry and direct opportunities to work at the facility
itself;
