Kitchens For Good

Happy Competency Test Week! Most importantly, congratulations to these five hardworking apprentices on stellar performances during their tests. The competency test is the culmination of the 12-month apprenticeship. Apprentices show off their skills gained during training and employment by creating a unique meal under time. Kudos to this group and all apprentices who have recently completed their competency tests!

5 years ago, we launched the first KFG SHOP pop-up in El Cajon. Now, we are growing more than ever at our permanent store in PB! A lot can change in 5 years… especially thanks to our shoppers, everyone who has donated kitchen items, and of course, our amazing volunteers. Every purchase made in our shop directly fuels our programs, helping provide culinary training, job opportunities, and second chances to individuals in our community. 💛

From dish pit to chef 👏 David Lay’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets determination. Before entering the culinary world, David was pursuing music until a restaurant job changed everything. “I ended up falling in love with cooking because it felt a lot like making music,” he shares. “The same creativity, the same rhythm, the same immediate feedback.” Through Kitchens for Good’s apprenticeship program, David found the support and confidence to take that next step. “My time in the program gave me the push I needed to take a chance on myself.” Today, he’s helping lead a new culinary concept in Oceanside, bringing creativity, discipline, and vision into the kitchen. His approach to food? Inspired by music. “I think in terms of balance, rhythm, and layering…building dishes the same way I would a track.” Now part of Kettle on Coast, David continues to grow, and we couldn’t be more proud 💛 (Yes, we’ll be ordering the Miso Cheddar Grits 👀) His advice? “Stay consistent and don’t wait until you feel ready.” Read more about David’s journey in San Diego Magazine. Better yet, support him in person Kettle On Coast! And if you believe in stories like David’s…donate today with the link in the comments to help create more opportunities like this.

Something big is coming to Kitchens for Good, and this is your last chance to see it before construction begins! This summer, we will break ground on our new Culinary Impact Center in Bankers Hill. This will be a space that will expand our programs, deepen our impact, and create even more opportunities for the people we serve. Come to this last round of tours to step inside the “before.” Walk the space. Hear the vision. Be part of this pivotal moment in our journey. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a chance to see where transformation will happen 💛 📅 Final tour dates to see the "before": • May 14 | 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM • May 16 | 11:00 AM • May 19 | 11:00 AM • May 21 | 6:00 PM Reserve your spot today with the link in the comments and be part of what’s next.

Last chance to order for Mother’s Day! 💛 Our Mother’s Day Pre-Sale ends on May 1. Don’t miss your chance to grab something truly special: from signature Crumb Bouquets to floral cupcakes, Basque cheesecake, tamales, and more—all handcrafted by the talented entrepreneurs in our Microenterprise Program. ✨ Limited quantities remaining 📦 Pickup May 8 & 9 at the Kitchens for Good SHOP Skip the last-minute scramble and give a gift that’s thoughtful, delicious, and makes a real impact. Every purchase supports local entrepreneurs as they build skills, earn income, and grow their businesses. Order now with the link in the comments before it’s gone!

Today we’re celebrating more than pizza, or even their final day of training 🍕 We’re celebrating growth, resilience, and the skills the apprentices have built every step of the way. From day one to their final day, this is what transformation looks like.

A big thank you to Tribute Pizza and Slice Out Hunger for their generous pizza donation as part of the Pizza Across America campaign this week! We’re GRATEful to partner with companies and organizations that believe that good food can do good things. 🍕 #pizza4good #pizzaacrossamerica #kitchensforgood

When we talk about placing a new pin on the map, we’re not just talking about a building...we’re talking about what happens inside it. The Culinary Impact Center will be Kitchens for Good’s first permanent home, bringing our programs together under one roof to unlock opportunity, remove barriers, and create clear pathways forward for apprentices, entrepreneurs, and our community. As we close out our 10th year, this new pin marks a shift—from moving between spaces to building something that lasts. There’s still time to support this vision with a year-end gift. Donate with the link in the comments before tomorrow night to help make it a reality.

✨ A milestone moment for Kitchens for Good ✨ This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of using food as a tool for connection, opportunity, and change—and we’re stepping into our next chapter in a big way. We’re thrilled to share that Kitchens for Good is in the final stages of purchasing a permanent home. 🏠 For the past decade, our work has grown across multiple spaces. This new facility brings everything together—allowing us to train more aspiring culinary professionals, produce more meals for neighbors in need, and create stronger pathways to stability for individuals and families across San Diego County. Reaching this moment in our tenth year is especially meaningful. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community believes in long-term solutions and shows up consistently. Thank you to everyone who has supported Kitchens for Good over the last ten years. Your generosity made this milestone possible. 💛 Learn more about this next chapter—and join us in shaping what’s ahead by supporting our year-end campaign at the link in the comments.

Every mile marks a new beginning. 🧡 After coming through Kitchens for Good’s apprenticeship program, Deb kept showing up for our community—feeding people with care, consistency, and heart. Now, she’s stepping into a new mile. This Sunday, Dec. 21, Deb will sell her soup to the public for the very first time at the Food Hall at Kitchens for Good SHOP under the name The Soup Slinger 🥣 (Yes—the chicken coconut curry will be there.) Deb’s journey reminds us that progress happens mile by mile, with new beginnings along the way—and your support makes those moments possible. ✨ Year-end gifts are still being matched, doubling your impact for people building stability and opportunity through food. Join us this Sunday to support Deb, or make a matched year-end gift today. Link in the comments for the food hall and to donate.