Fresh Bread & Smiles at the Fuerza Local Community Kitchen

Guest post by our friend Amanda Abou-Eid at Proof Bread

What do we do with our leftovers of unsold bread? We make grilled cheese!

Well, not us, but these adorable kids do!

Some of you may not know this, but one of my passions is packing delicious but healthy lunches for our girls. It was something my mom did for me until I moved out. (Yes, that's right, through senior year of high school...no shame here!) Growing up in a boisterous Lebanese family, we always connected over the kitchen table, and I was taught that food = love. Jon too. But, we know that not all children have the same access to home-cooked healthy and balanced meals, so when we found out about the programs and support that this community kitchen provides, we were eager to pitch in!

These photos were taken (this week!) at the Fuerza Local Community Kitchen located just down the street from the heart of downtown Mesa. Chef Gabe Gardner is a Farm to Table Executive Chef and runs a Kid's Cooking Class out of the Fuerza kitchen for residents of the affordable housing community just above this space. Chef Gabe's and Local First Arizona Foundation's vision is to cultivate a creative and collaborative space in which they can educate and engage the local community in healthy culinary practices, from gardening to nutritious food preparation.

So, you can see how this was the perfect opportunity for us to get involved!

The Fuerza Local Community Kitchen is run by Local First Arizona Foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates, supports, and promotes local entrepreneurship. In fact, this kitchen is home for several of your favorite local new businesses such as Bao Bar AZ & Shrubwell, both of whom can now be found at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market!

How can YOU get involved? Chef Gabe and two of his graduates are hosting Dining for Dreams, a fundraising dinner event THIS Friday, October 18th from 6-8pm. Tickets are $40, and proceeds go to support the programming in the Fuerza Local Community Kitchen. Enjoy a delicious meal AND do something good for your community.