Success Stories: Commercial Kitchen
Connection to Community Action Plan: Goal 2
Context
A community commercial kitchen is beneficial for the community because it helps people prepare and sell foods that are up-to-date with USDA and FDA safety standards, allowing potential vendors an avenue to sell food products in markets. The idea of building a community commercial kitchen is not new for Pelican Rapids. In 2016, community members explored how the upper floor of City Hall could be transformed into a community commercial kitchen, to be used by area caterers and cottage food producers alike, as well as an event space with a capacity of up to 250 people. When it came to a vote before City Council, the project was not approved, and the idea was put on the back burner until the Local Foods Local Places workshop took place in 2020.
Vision
Many commented that the senior center would be an ideal space for this kitchen to be located, given its existing amenities and ideal location. In 2021, the group managing the Senior Center disbanded, and the ownership was returned to the City. Management of Meals on Wheels continues through a contract. The Park Board of Pelican Rapids also desires to set up bathrooms accessible from the outside, water fountains, and a bicycle repair station for the planned trailhead near the Senior Center. Additionally, the Park Board has expressed interest in working with the Steering Committee to renovate the Senior Center. However, due to needed repairs, the building’s lack of ADA compliance, and a number of large capital improvement projects already on the City's plate 20
