Processing in Our Food System

Where does a rancher take an animal to be processed? Where does a food entrepreneur go to make something to sell? Too often, the answer is “not nearby.” Small producers lack affordable places to clean, cut, cook, and package their food. SBCFAN is filling those gaps. We are developing a not-for-profit meat processing hub. We have also mapped community kitchens across the county. Here is where that work stands.

Catalyst Pre Development Funding Award – Community of Practice

A $190,000 California Jobs First grant funding a regional Food System Network Coordinator and industry cluster facilitators across the Central Coast.

Blue Economy, Local Economy, Workforce Development

Community Kitchens Hub

A public directory and toolkit covering 13 community kitchens across Santa Barbara County, with permit and equipment guidance for food entrepreneurs.

Food Security, Local Economy

Designing A Self-Sustaining Meat Processing Hub

A USDA-inspected meat processing facility built in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Prisons — giving Central Coast ranchers an affordable path to market and creating job training opportunities along the way.

Food Security, Local Economy, Workforce Development
Back To Top