New Shared Kitchen in Ithaca: Big Boost for Local Food Entrepreneurs
A new shared-use commercial kitchen is coming to Ithaca, thanks to $109,255 in federal funding announced by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. This project, spearheaded by the Friends of the Ithaca Farmers Market, aims to help small food entrepreneurs grow their businesses with access to professional kitchen equipment and technical support.
The kitchen will be located at 700 W. Buffalo St., the former site of Greenstar Central Kitchen, and will serve nearly 20 vendors initially. Many of these vendors sell their products at the popular Ithaca Farmers Market. The space will provide essential resources for small food businesses, including affordable access to kitchen equipment, business advice, and networking opportunities.
Senator Schumer highlighted the importance of this project:
“The Ithaca Farmers Market is a beloved local institution, but many small food businesses struggle to afford the resources they need to grow. This federal funding will give them the tools to succeed and strengthen Ithaca’s food economy.”
A Regional Collaboration for Growth
The funding is part of a larger push by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which Schumer secured additional funding for through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. The ARC supports economic development across the Southern Tier and other regions, with the goal of boosting local economies and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Additional support for the project comes from various local sources:
- $85,149 from community donors
- $25,000 from the Park Foundation
- $17,000 from the City of Ithaca
Mayor Robert Cantelmo emphasized the project’s potential to create opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and address local food insecurity:
“This project is more than just a kitchen; it’s a way to create wealth, jobs, and economic activity while supporting women and minority business owners in the food sector.”
A Better Future for Local Food Businesses
The Shared Kitchen Ithaca project will not only benefit food vendors but also foster partnerships within the community. By addressing a gap in the local food economy, it is set to spark a renaissance of specialty food products in Ithaca and the broader Finger Lakes region.
Chuck Schwerin, a board member of Shared Kitchen Ithaca, highlighted its broader community impact:
“We are collaborating with local food insecurity groups to process and distribute food to those in need. This kitchen will be a game-changer for entrepreneurs who lacked access to these resources before.”
This initiative is a win for Ithaca’s small businesses, local food enthusiasts, and the community as a whole. As food manufacturing continues to grow in Tompkins County, the shared kitchen promises to play a key role in fostering economic development and inclusivity in the region.
