Pasco Extension Launches Educational Incubator Kitchen

DADE CITY, FL —Things are about to get cooking at the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension One Stop Shop.

On Sept. 23, the extension hosted the grand opening of its new community Incubator Kitchen at 15029 14th St. in Dade City.

Thanks to a donation of appliances from Welbilt Inc., the facility is equipped for culinary and food safety education, as well as food preservation.

“The partnership of the Pasco Economic Development Council and Welbilt helped make this exciting concept a reality,” said Pasco County Extension director Whitney Elmore. “The Incubator Kitchen will serve local entrepreneurs through the Pasco EDC and residents alike with hands-on teaching in a well-equipped workspace.”

The Incubator Kitchen features a six-burner range with oven, reach-in refrigerator, reach-in freezer, ice machine, three-bay sink, work tables and storage shelving.

The Incubator Kitchen will also support the Pasco Extension’s ongoing safe food preservation programs designed for those with an interest in Florida’s cottage food industry. The space will be available to the public for cooking, canning, packing, preserving, pickling, juicing and more for both personal and small business purposes.

For more information about the Incubator Kitchen, click here.