By Amber Countryman, Sumner Newscow — Shared commercial kitchens are currently trending among communities, and Caldwell jumped on board to open one recently.
The Border Queen Harvest Hub commercial kitchen is located at 110 S. Main in Caldwell, and is available for rental. They offer a la carte and membership options for using the kitchen. The kitchen has been operating since Oct. 20.
The Border Queen Harvest Hub strengthens connections among producers, processors, and distributors; each depends on the others for success.
“Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, processing facilities have become fewer and farther between, leaving a critical gap in the local food system,” said Dr. Jen Kern, who promotes the kitchen, as well as setting up classes. “To bridge that gap, many communities are now investing in shared commercial kitchens. These spaces make it possible for small businesses and local food entrepreneurs to process their products without the overwhelming cost of building their own inspected facility.”
The Commercial Kitchen, before it was the Commercial Kitchen. (Courtesy photo)
Communities are helping small businesses grow and ensuring that local food stays local by providing access to safe, affordable processing.
Sumner County Economic Development partnered with Shop Kansas Farms/Border Queen Harvest Hub to write a grant and make this project a reality.
In December, the kitchen hosted a meal prep class right before the holidays. The hands-on class prepared two meals, red wine lasagna and enchiladas, to take home and freeze.
Workers were busy throughout the year constructing the commercial kitchen. (Courtesy photo)
A beginner water-bath canning class is scheduled at the commercial kitchen for Jan. 24 from 1-4 p.m., with Sandy Carter as instructor. Join them for a hands-on class to learn essential canning safety guidelines, practice water bath canning step-by-step, prepare and can a simple recipe to take home, and gain confidence to preserve your own fruits, jams, pickles, and more. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Cost is $40.
Other upcoming classes include a two-session pressure canning class on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.
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Construction began in January on the public-use commercial kitchen in the Caldwell Workspace after a K-State 105 grant to the Sumner County Economic Development as part of the Border Queen Harvest Hub. The remodeling will be undertaken through a combination of volunteer opportunities and local professional services.
“This is a true collaboration of numerous entities,” says Stacy Davis, SCED director, in January. “K-State 105, SCED, Kansas Farm Bureau, Shop Kansas Farms, Vision Caldwell, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Sumner County Research and Extension, Border Queen Harvest Hub, and KanOkla are coming together to make this happen. This commercial kitchen will stimulate economic prosperity by providing the public access to a facility that allows them to grow a food business.”
The kitchen provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to process locally grown foods into shelf-stable, marketable items, which is key to establishing the local supply chain.
For more information or to utilize the kitchen, call 316-617-9621 or email bqharvesthub@gmail.com.
