Polly Jane’s Pickles & Jams

Polly of “Polly Jane’s Pickles & Jams” could triple her business by centralizing and simplifying her production.  It takes a lot to make it work in a borrowed kitchen.

Polly tells her story better than anyone else, “I am in limbo with my business and my story is not unique as I know of many hopeful entrepreneurs in the same boat.  Certified kitchen space is as good as gold and good luck finding it!  Right now, we are limited to begging for space from churches, schools, restaurants and bars with kitchens.  The restaurant kitchen I am borrowing is on the second story of a building built on the square around the turn of the century.  The kitchen access is on the OUTSIDE of the building, up two flights of a fortified fire escape.  “Schlepping” my supplies up and down these steps whenever I can get a couple of hours of kitchen time is exhausting.  My production schedule is at the mercy of the restaurants’ down time.  Literally.

People like me need more than just a certified kitchen.  We need access to clean and legal cold/frozen storage space, lower rental fees, commercial grade equipment, food safety education, mentoring, business counseling, business classes, wholesale suppliers, marketing advice, graphic design help, the list goes on.

The local food business is booming and there is an army of people out there, like me that want to take advantage of the opportunities available.  We are dedicated to improving our communities and economic situations by getting people more involved in local food.  Please support the FEED Kitchens.  This project is essential for the growth of small food business.”