San Diego-based culinary non-profit Kitchens For Good is opening its first retail storefront in Pacific Beach.
With the initial mission of reducing waste and helping the food-insecure, Kitchens for Good was founded in San Diego in 2014 by Chuck Samuelson and Aviva Paley. Today the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has a culinary training program for those facing barriers to employment for various reasons including former incarceration, homelessness, aging out of the foster care system, and addiction and abuse recovery. In addition to offering catering services, Kitchens for Good also creates nutritious meals for the hungry using rescued produce.
"Kitchens for Good is a nonprofit social enterprise operating certified apprentice programs for aspiring cooks, bakers, and food service managers," explained Director of External Affairs Lindsey Seegers. "The job seekers we work with often have barriers to employment. Some are justice-involved, some have experienced homelessness, others may be in recovery, but all have a love for the kitchen. Kitchens for Good Shop was inspired by a desire to share our love of kitchens, to be good stewards of our environment, and to help those we work with equip their home kitchens, so they could practice and share their new skills with their families and supporters. We're in Pacific Beach, so the team can't wait to get a mural! We are striving to tell the story behind the store."
Kitchens for Good has taken over the standalone building that previously housed a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store on the corner of Cass and Hornblend in Pacific Beach and will soft open today. The new retail store will offer a curated collection of pre-loved kitchen ware that has been donated from the organization's supporters, chefs, and corporate partners. The shop will also feature items made by fellow social enterprises, including Bright Future candles made by the women of HomeStart.
The Kitchens for Good Shop is currently accepting donations of kitchen and dining wares. If you are decluttering, downsizing, or upgrading, please considering contributing your preloved items by visiting the store.
Kitchens for Good Shop will soft open at 980 Hornblend Street in Pacific on December 14, officially open on January 2, and will host a Grand Opening celebration in February 2022. For more information, visit kitchensforgood.org.
