Feeding South Florida unveiled its new, state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot community kitchen during a virtual grand opening celebration on July 12, 2020. Viewers tuned in to view some of South Florida’s favorite chefs using their talents to showcase the kitchen’s full capacity. They prepared the very first meals in the kitchen using nutritious items regularly distributed by Feeding South Florida, converted into unique, savory, and creative dishes that appeal to the whole family. Chef Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco in Coconut Creek, and Chef Randy Fisher of CREaM in Miami hosted the event. The featured chefs were Chef Lindsay Autry of The Regional Kitchen & Public House in West Palm Beach, Chef Allen Susser of Chef Allen’s Consulting in Hollywood, and Chef Timon Balloo of Balloo Restaurant in downtown Miami.
Feeding South Florida’s multi-purpose community kitchen serves as a meal production site, culinary training program, social enterprise catering, incubator space for graduates of the program, and healthy cooking classes. The kitchen advances Feeding South Florida’s mission of ending hunger in South Florida by serving up to 10,000 meals per day for children’s after-school and summer programs, meals for older adults and medically tailored meals. The kitchen also provides critical meals during disaster response.