Not-for-profit culinary business incubator, FoodLab Sydney has opened its new commercial kitchen in North Strathfield, supported by a $25,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation and promising to be a game-changer in empowering marginalised communities.
FoodLab Sydney was selected to receive the grant for its Commercial Kitchen Project, following a nomination from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia employee, Kimberley Hodge.
“Witnessing the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation’s support for FoodLab Sydney’s innovative approach in empowering marginalised communities is incredibly rewarding. This grant is a catalyst, transforming the new North Strathfield kitchen into a vibrant hub for culinary innovation and community engagement. I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative journey,” she said.
FoodLab Sydney now boasts a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and workspace, poised to empower food entrepreneurs from high-barrier backgrounds such as migrants, refugees, and First Nations people.
FoodLab Sydney managing director, Jamie Loveday said, “Our vision is to create a welcoming, safe, and affordable shared co-working kitchen for refugee, migrant, women, and First Nations food entrepreneurs. The upcoming facility in North Strathfield is a significant step toward realising this vision.”
Coca-Cola Australia Foundation chair, Malcolm Hudson added, “Every day, dedicated individuals show up with passion and ambition to make a difference, so it’s a privilege for the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation to support charities that resonate deeply with the Coca-Cola workforce through our Employee Connected Grants program.”