Part of the Food Policy Community Spotlight Series
What they do: Bronx CookSpace is operated by WHEDco, a nonprofit community development organization that believes all people deserve healthy, vibrant communities. WHEDco provides resources that aims to help South Bronx neighborhoods thrive: from high-quality early childhood education to commercial revitalization. Bronx CookSpace is a fully equipped commercial kitchen that provides flexible, affordable workspace and individualized technical assistance to small food businesses.
How they do it: Bronx CookSpace gives entrepreneurs a place to test products and ideas as they develop and grow cost-effectively. The 4,000 square foot kitchen is divided into four workspaces, or bays, that can be rented alone or in combination. It is ideal for caterers, bakers, and food and beverage manufacturers who would otherwise not be able to afford the commercial kitchen space or equipment they need to start and grow their business.
Mission: “WHEDco’s mission is to give the South Bronx access to all the resources that create thriving neighborhoods: from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity.”
Latest project/campaign: In Spring 2017, Bronx CookSpace participated in the Morgan Stanley Strategy Challenge, an 8-week pro-bono consulting engagement that explored how the CookSpace should price rental fees and technical assistance to balance serving entrepreneurs and improve financial sustainability.
Major Funding: New York City Council, Morgan Stanley
Profit/nonprofit: Nonprofit
Annual Budget: $300,000
Interesting fact about how they are working to positively affect the food system: The majority of tenants in Bronx CookSpace are women. 38% are from the Bronx and 46% are immigrants. 38% of tenants have stayed at the CookSpace for more than three years. 62% are wholesalers, and 38% are caterers. Collectively, Bronx CookSpace tenants employ over 30 people.
FACT SHEET:
Location:
50 East 168th Street
New York, New York 10352
Core Programs: Bronx CookSpace Incubator, Economic Development.
Number of staff: 3
Number of volunteers: N/A
Areas served:
- Bronx
- Tri-State Area
Year Started: 1997
Manager: Marcus Gotay
Contact Information:
(718) 839-1100 Ext.105 or 646-691- 6704
