FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Genoveva Islas, executive director of Cultiva la Salud, shares her vision for a space that will be transformed into a community kitchen for food vendors.
“This will be our kitchen. It will have a stove and countertop, a table and a three-compartment sink. We also have a walk-in freezer and refrigerator,” Islas said.
The building at North Fresno Street and Whyte Avenue in central Fresno will also include office space for nonprofit organizations.
Islas said renovations to the more than 4,000-square-foot facility will cost about $3 million. Several donors have already contributed to the project.
“This represents a $700,000 donation from the city of Fresno,” said City Councilman Miguel Arias.
City Councilman Miguel Arias said Thursday that the City Council will vote on the proposed grant agreement with the nonprofit.
The money comes from the American Rescue Fund, which helps small business owners like Maria de Leon.
“One of my sons is still at home with us. He wants to pursue a career, so I work hard to support him. He’s going to college. He wants to go, so that’s his dream and it’s my dream,” De Leon said. .
The mother of three and her sister-in-law have owned Tamales y Antojitos La Promesa for several years.
She said the community kitchen will make it easier to run a mobile business that provides home-cooked meals to the community. She also looks forward to the peace of mind after dealing with a dangerous encounter on the road.
“A year ago in November, a man suddenly appeared and threatened me. It was very scary.”
In 2021, Lorenzo Perez, a food salesman, was shot and killed in southeast Fresno. Police said the man posed as a customer and attempted to rob the store in broad daylight.
He was the second dealer to be murdered and the sixth dealer to be robbed in one year.
Islas said the new facility will provide both safety and support.
“They contribute to our lives and bring us joy in many ways. I want them to be respected and celebrated for our work, and I want them to be part of our community.” I want people to see it as such,” Islas said.
The building is scheduled to be demolished by the end of this year or early next year at the latest.
Reconstruction will begin immediately after.
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