The Spectrum Network moves forward with its plans for a Community Kitchen

The Spectrum Network plans to hold a groundbreaking next week on its new commercial-grade community kitchen.

The organization has decided to use property it already owns on Railroad Avenue to construct a new building to house the facility, instead of remodeling existing space.  "After meeting with food & safety inspectors, contractors and kitchen designers, it became clear that building new was much more feasible," said TSN Executive Director Bev Fredrick.  "This will allow us to construct the kitchen exactly to our needs and also opens up possibilities to expand our services provided in our current building to our current & future clients." 

Spectrum's initial focus will be on processing and packaging for local businesses.  It has already held preliminary discussions with Oneota Community Co-op.  There are several other possible partnerships with businesses throughout Winneshiek County, including an apprenticeship program with Iowa Workforce Development for a training program for working in the food industry.

The Spectrum Network raised $105,000 to receive matching funds from a Rural Business Enterprise Grant with the USDA to develop training opportunities and integrated employment facility.