Serving Our Community: Dishwasher Upgrade for Public Program Spaces

Due to non-compliance with current health regulations, Public Health has officially closed our community kitchens, which has immediate and wide-reaching implications. This closure means that all cooking and food-related programming, including the library’s popular cooking and baking classes, are suspended until further notice. Community groups, private renters, and service organizations who rely on these facilities for workshops, events, and food preparation can no longer access the space. This not only disrupts valuable educational and social opportunities but also limits affordable access to food literacy programs that promote healthy living and community connection. Without these kitchens, a vital hub of learning, gathering, and support has been put on hold, highlighting the urgent need for upgrades to meet safety standards and restore access.

Upgrading our dishwashing equipment is essential to keeping our community kitchen safe, accessible, and fully functional. Without industrial dishwashers, we are unable to meet public health standards required to run cooking classes or rent the space for food-related programs and events. This impacts local residents who rely on the kitchen for affordable learning opportunities, community-building activities, and access to food skills education.

By investing in commercial dishwashers, we can continue to offer inclusive, health-compliant programs that bring people together, support community wellbeing, and make full use of this important shared space. Investing in commercial dishwashers will ensure we can continue to offer safe, inclusive, and health-compliant programming that meets the growing needs of our community.