City of Fresno to approve grant for non-profit organization Cultiva la Salud

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Cultiva la Salud executive director Genoveva Islas shares a vision for the space, which will be transformed into a community kitchen for food vendors.

“We will have a kitchen here. There will be stoves and hobs, tables, and a sink with three compartments. We will have a freezer and a refrigerator,” Islas said.

The building at North Fresno Street and White Avenue in downtown Fresno will also provide office space for the nonprofit.

Islas said it would cost about $3 million to transform the more than 4,000-square-foot facility. Several donors have already contributed to the project.

“This represents a $700,000 contribution from the city of Fresno,” said Councilman Miguel Arias.

Councilman Miguel Arias said Thursday the City Council will vote on a proposed grant agreement with the nonprofit.

The money is coming from the American Rescue Funds to help small business owners like Maria De Leon.

“One of my sons is still at home with us and I work so hard to support him because he wants to continue his career. He wants to go to college, so that’s his dream and it’s my dream too,” De Leon said. .

The mother of three and her daughter-in-law have owned Tamales y Antojitos La Promesa for several years.

She said the community kitchen will make it easier to run their mobile business by offering home-cooked food to the community. She is also looking forward to feeling safe after having to deal with dangerous encounters on the streets.

“A year ago, in November, a man suddenly appeared and threatened us, it was very scary,”

In 2021, food vendor Lorenzo Perez was shot and killed in southeast Fresno after police said a man posed as a customer and tried to rob him in broad daylight.

He was the second salesman killed and the sixth robbed in a year.

Islas said this new facility will provide both security and support.

“They contribute to our lives and bring joy in many ways. I want them to be respected, I want them to be respected for the work we do, and I want them to be considered part of our community,” Islas said.

The building is expected to be demolished by the end of this year or early next year at the latest.

Reconstruction will begin immediately after this.

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