There were 28 members in attendance and three on Zoom to listen to General Manager Melissa Tran and Board President Michael Hotrum from the County Food Hub.
Michael said that the hub is known as “The Kitchen That Saved the School” when the Sophiasburgh school was not closed because the food hub was developed in the extra space.
Melissa said the school population has increased now and with the hub’s growth and desire to move to a more central location, the school could use the extra space. The hub is a commercial kitchen and a community kitchen for programming and training. The commercial clients include a chocolate maker, a meat patties maker, ready-to-eat meals cooks, some one-time users, others are weekly users. The programming includes free access for Hospice Dinner-for-One, Kate’s Rest kitchen training, and a Cooking Club for students Grade 4-8.
Achievements include:
- 2017 Saved the school
- 2019 Opened the emergency kitchen
- During COVID made meals for the community
- Awarded Business Excellent Award
- High retention rate for volunteers
- Programs are widely successful and always fully subscribed
- Food-to-Share cooks every week
- Now an outlet for the Fresh Food Market
Michael said the future is for the hub to move closer to the centre of activity, ie Picton, and they have applied to the County for space in the Queen Elizabeth school that is closed. They could share ingredient storage space with the the Picton Foodbank and have two kitchens to expand their offering. They could be the pathway for food entrepreneurs and promote product made in the County. If approved, they would need financing to reinforce some floors, uninstall, remove and reinstall equipment. They are looking at a two year timeline from the date the County might approve them.
The hub’s annual budget is about $100,000 financed by grants of $20M-$30M, tenants income of $25M, training income of $25M and donations. A fundraising dinner will be held at Base 31 on April 6. Chef Jamie Kennedy will prepare the meal.
Club Business
Norm circulated a signup sheet for the number of D&D books that each member wants.
David MacKinnon reported no decision by the province yet on additional nurse practitioners.
Lyn asked for volunteers to solicit soup donations for Family Day. She circulated a signup form.
Yvonne announced that maple syrup production will be increased to 1,800 bottles, 1,000 for our Club and 800 pressed to other Clubs. Give Yvonne your order.
Barry brought greetings from the President of the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka, Hawai’i and hung the banner from their Club that he received during his visit there.
Norm reported a very successful Electronic Recycling Day. He thanked our Club’s volunteers and our Picton host, Home Hardware owner, Adam Busscher, and estimated that our revenue from the drive would be $1,600. The next event will be in October.
Dawn’s number was again drawn for the 50:50, but she did not draw the ace of spades.
.png)
