The creation of the Just Food, Just Economy Initiative is a collaboration between Market Central and Bread and Roses Community Kitchen, with funding from the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund. The initiative will create pathways to employment and food access through food business creation, job development, and localizing access to fresh foods through farmers markets. Read more below to learn how we aim to reach our goals.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for our fall classes!

 

All Classes take place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville unless otherwise noted.

Please find detailed information on the registration links.

Just Food, Just Economy

Food Business Creation

Do you have a great recipe people would love? In September 2023, we will host a community meeting to share exciting opportunities in food business development. People with lived experience will share their stories and you will learn how to navigate the process of starting a food business. Beginning in November, Bread & Roses will host workshops on food business development, food preparation, and food safety. Check the calendar above for classes and stay up to date with additional resources on our Just Food, Just Economy Facebook page.

Farmers Market Development

A series of smaller neighborhood listening sessions will take place to gauge interest in a community-informed farmers market. As interest and support are developed we will explore the next steps of developing a successful market. A community-informed market will create jobs and provide foods and services most desired by the community. Share your experience with farmers markets here! Staff from Market Central are available to come and speak to your neighborhood group about markets and their benefits to the local community’s health and wealth.

Job Opportunities in Market Management

Farmers Markets don’t just happen! Market teams include market managers, food access coordinators, community liaisons, market clerks, and more! For more information on employment opportunities email info@marketcentralonline.org. Check our employment opportunities page for other job opportunities with market vendors and farms.

When you sign up to receive the newsletter, you will receive information about social events, program updates and success stories!

Your information will not be shared or added to any additional email lists.

 

Past Events:

Community Social

September 27, 2023. Listen to successful, local food entrepreneurs share their stories and get inspired! We will share resources for starting food businesses, farmers markets and accessing fresh, local food. All are welcome!

Thank you, to all who attended!

Khadija Hammeti, Khadija’s Kitchen

Keith Groomes, The Pie Guy

Erica Cavanaugh, Honeysuckle Creek Farm

Oubai Al Rifai, Mr. Tahini

STARTING A FOOD BUSINESS 101

Join Bread & Roses Community Kitchen for a workshop on the essentials of starting a food business.

The workshop is led by Tom Kelly, owner of Crustworthy Pizza.

Cooking For Crowds

This comprehensive class is expertly designed for volunteers who are dedicated to preparing and serving food at public events and large-scale gatherings. Held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville. No cost to attend.

ServSafe Manager Training

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements to be a Certified Food Protection Manager. Participants receive instruction about food safety concepts such as sanitation, food storage, safety regulations, pest management, and safe food handling practices. The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities. After passing an exam, the student receives certification from the National Restaurant Assoc., which is good for 5 years. The class will be taught at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville.

Full Class Enrollment has an associated fee. The fee includes instruction, textbook, exam, and certification.

Limited scholarships through Bread and Roses are available for food entrepreneurs and farmers.

ALWAYS AVAILABLE: Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe) courses ONLINE (English and Spanish)

Food Handlers

This class is designed for individuals working in various roles, including food service staff, cooks, and servers. It offers a simplified version of the ServSafe curriculum, ensuring that you gain a solid foundation in food safety principles. Upon successful completion, you will receive a valuable Certificate of Attendance, valid for three years. Join us for this informative 3-hour session, completely free of charge. Held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville.

Dehydration for the home kitchen or small business

This class is perfect for culinary enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, offering an in-depth look into the process of drying foods and herbs. Participants will learn essential guidelines and methods for dehydration, using both dehydrators and air-drying techniques. We will also cover the regulations to ensure your dehyrdrated products are suitable for home-based business ventures. Explore a range of applications from drying culinary herbs and herbal teas to creating skin products and preparing shelf-stable vegetables ideal for soups, camping meals, and emergency kits. No cost to attend.

waterbath canning for the home kitchen

Dive into the basics of canning methods including a brief overview of small business regulations. During the session, we’ll make one type of pickle (such as okra or beets) and one jam with in-season fruits. Each participant will have the opportunity to take home a jar of either the pickle or jam. Additionally, enjoy sampling previously made pickles and freshly made jam. This workshop is. a delightful way to start preserving at home or to consider a small business. No cost to attend.

Packaging Food For Sale

The workshop will cover:

  • VDACS regulations and what to expect from the inspection process

  • What products you can make at home

  • Labeling guidleines

  • FLIP insurance