Junction city main street in partnership with the live well geary county food policy council is undertaking a planning grant to establish a shareduse kitchen in junction city kansas following…

Junction city main street in partnership with the live well geary county food policy council is undertaking a planning grant to establish a shareduse kitchen in junction city kansas following extensive community engagement and existing food system planning efforts. This project which has already received funding will result in the creation of critical food system infrastructure to benefit over 80 small food businesses and 15 local farmers as well as ranchers and processors involved in the local food supply. The primary purpose is to increase market opportunities for valueadded food businesses and the farmers who source their raw materials. Junction city main street will engage a consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis including market research operational model development facility design and financial projections. The firm will refine these findings with community input culminating in a final management plan and identification of funding sources for the shareduse kitchen. The anticipated outcome is a fully operational facility capable of supporting a range of activities including food preparation product packaging and potential community meals programs. The beneficiaries of this project include local farmers food processors and consumers seeking access to fresh locally produced food. This initiative aims to strengthen the local food economy and provide a central location for businesses to operate and sell their goods expanding market access and creating economic opportunities within the junction city community.