ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has secured $109,255 in federal funding to support the Friend of Ithaca Farmers Market in establishing a shared commercial-use kitchen. The project aims to help 20 small food entrepreneurs by providing affordable access to equipment and business training and enabling them to grow their businesses and sell at venues like the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Located at 700 W. Buffalo St., the shared-use kitchen aims to transform the former Greenstar Central Kitchen into a hub for local food businesses. The initiative addresses a key issue for small-scale food producers and is backed by additional funding from donors, the Park Foundation, and the City of Ithaca. 

Schumer highlighted the project's potential to foster economic growth and support diverse business owners.

Mayor Robert Cantelmo praised the collaboration, emphasizing the kitchen's role in strengthening Ithaca's food manufacturing business.

“The City of Ithaca is grateful for the support for the Shared Kitchen Ithaca project from Leader Schumer, New York Department of State, ST8, and the Appalachian Regional Commission,”  said Robert Cantelmo, Mayor of Ithaca.

The inactive reflects the ongoing efforts to support economic development in the Southern Tier.