Located in downtown albuquerque, new mexico (NM),three sisters kitchen is a multi-use community food space with two commercial test kitchens for value-added food business training and incubation,…

The Three Sisters Kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico will receive $937,373.51 through September 2024 under a Project Grant from the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. The funding supports the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP), which aims to develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food systems.

Specifically, Three Sisters Kitchen will utilize two commercial test kitchens, a local foods shop and cafe, community dining room, and demonstration kitchen to increase local food markets and opportunities for new value-added food businesses in New Mexico. The organization plans to serve 30 food entrepreneurs through technical assistance like food safety planning and marketing support, source from over 20 local producers, and engage over 25,000 consumers during the grant period. Anticipated outcomes include $200k in new or increased annual sales for local producers through wholesale, on-site and online retail sales, and regional distribution network partnerships.

Located in downtown albuquerque, new mexico (NM),three sisters kitchen is a multi-use community food space with two commercial test kitchens for value-added food business training and incubation, product formula development, and small-batch production; a local foods shop and cafe for retail sales and consumer engagement; a community dining room for meals and events; and a demonstration kitchen for community foods education. In NM, where 3% of foods consumed are locally grown, small producers and aspiring value-added food entrepreneurs need access to commercial kitchen space (for research, development, and production),technical assistance (to ensure food safety, regulatory compliance, and concept viability),new market channels (to grow and diversify sales),marketing support (to effectively reach new consumers),and financial management support (to sustainably grow their businesses). The purpose of the three sisters kitchen: nourishing new local value-added food producers project is to increase local food markets and market opportunities for new value-added food businesses. The program connects food entrepreneurs with production space and technical assistance, local producers, industry mentors, and regional distributors. Our goals are to serve: 30 value-added food businesses, who will benefit from haacp planning, accounting, marketing, and distribution support, and kitchen access; 20+ local producers sourcing ingredients for value-added products; and over 25,000 consumers during the 36-month grant period. Anticipated outcomes include $200,000 in new or increased sales for local producers through wholesale and retail sales, including on-site and on-line sales and subscription boxes via three sisters kitchen's local foods shop, at farmers markets, and through a regional distribution network.