We have a unique opportunity to provide stable, positive and lasting impacts for San Juan County’s food producers and providers.

Community & Economic Impacts

The Lopez Food Center will provide job development and training for an estimated 15+ jobs in the local food system strengthening food system resilience. The food security of island residents will be improved through enhanced distribution at the Food Bank, which is now serving over 300 households per week.

Impacts to Food Producers & Farmers

The Food Center will give food producers access to secure cold, frozen and dry storage, centralized to allow more efficient distribution to local food businesses. A shared commercial kitchen designed for direct sales to the community catalyzes collaboration between users of the facility and supports business incubation. A classroom supports food skills training and job development. Start-up food businesses gain access to retail spaces. And the planned 4-bedroom apartment at the Center will provide housing for food and farm workers.

Food Center Anticipated 1st Year Impacts

20+ farms and 20+ food businesses access infrastructure to make, store and distribute products (based on numbers of SJI Food Hub & LIFRC) Customers of the SJI Food Hub are located throughout SJC.

350 low income families ( 1,000+individuals) get the nourishing food they need with dignity from the Lopez Food Share (based on current Lopez Food Share numbers)

15+ food system workers access training opportunities through the Food Skills Training Program in partnership with the SJC Economic Development Council

25+ individuals facing mental health challenges access recovery support and opportunities to build job readiness skills through the Recovery Cafe

5+ low income entrepreneurs successfully launch new food enterprises with business development support.

10 community events will be held offering support with diet, nutrition, wellness activities and learning activities led by BIPOC, LGTBQIA+ and disability rights leaders with an anticipated 300+ people in attendance.

240+ School District students will have the opportunity to learn in the community kitchen, with another 5-10 having the opportunity to learn how to run and operate a retail store that can support the school farm program as well as other farmers on the island.  

Anticipated 1st Year Impacts at a Glance
Storage, Processing, Sales and Distribution Support either directly or through the San Juan Islands Food Hub to
farms
food businesses
orgs
Nourishing food for
low wage households
Training opportunities for
food system workers
Support & job readiness training for
individuals facing mental health challenges
New food enterprises for
low-income entrepreneurs

Multi-Use Space

Community Events