FRESNO – The Fresno-based nonprofit focused on improving public health outcomes in rural and underserved communities is starting a new project geared toward increasing access to nutritious food.
Cultiva La Salud began demolition on a property north of downtown Fresno on Sept. 1 to make way for its new community kitchen, aptly named “Cocina La Salud.” The community kitchen intends to build on Cultiva La Salud’s work supporting street food vendors by offering a safe and fully equipped space where vendors can prepare healthy, affordable meals, according to a press release.
“This project represents an investment in public health, economic opportunity and community well-being,” Cultiva La Salud Executive Director Genoveva Islas said in a press release. “By creating a secure and supportive environment, we are helping vendors thrive while expanding access to nutritious food for the communities that need it most.”
Cultiva La Salud offers a variety of assistance to street food vendors in Fresno and the surrounding communities by training vendors in safe food handling practices, providing assistance with regulatory compliance and guiding vendors as they obtain permits, certifications and licenses.
The organization most recently advocated for Fresno County to begin a pilot program that would allow for microenterprise home kitchen operations, giving small-scale operations a chance to legally prepare and sell food made in their homes. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors initially showed support but shot down the program on a second vote.
Cocina La Salud will expand street food vendor support by providing infrastructure and serving as a hub for education and economic opportunity, according to Cultiva La Salud. The community kitchen will offer free workshops, certifications and ongoing support to help vendors grow a sustainable business.
