La Cocina

PEOPLE: Executive Director Valeria Perez Ferreiro, Program Director Caleb Zigas, and Culinary Director Jason Rose; La Cocina assists 19 businesses and has 2 graduates

ABOUT: La Cocina (which means "the kitchen" in Spanish) is a non-profit organization that serves as a platform for low-income culinary entrepreneurs by providing access to a certified commercial kitchen, appropriate training, and technical assistance. The entrepreneurs' businesses range from packaged food companies to catering services. La Cocina also rents commercial kitchen space to established businesses. The fully equipped commercial kitchen is about 4,400 square feet, with 4 prep stations, a tilting skillet, 2 convection ovens, a 6-burner range and a professional fryer and mixer.

SOURCING: At the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, the offerings at La Cocina's stand change periodically, but are always from the small businesses that use La Cocina's kitchen and other services. Businesses vary widely in terms of where they buy their raw ingredients and what percentage of ingredients are local or organic, so ask about specific products to learn more.