Help FLICK Build a Community Kitchen & Food Hub in CNY!

Help FLICK Build a Community Kitchen & Food Hub in Auburn, New York!

We’re thrilled to announce a new project that will empower small food businesses, enrich our community, and build a stronger, more resilient local food system in the Finger Lakes region! Based in Auburn, NY the Finger Lakes Incubator & Commercial Kitchen (or 'FLICK' for short) is seeking $50,000 to support the buildout of our brand-new facility, which will include a Teaching & Stall Rental Kitchen and the repair of essential walk-in cooler and freezer units. Due to Auburn's unique geographic location, this is an exciting opportunity to bring an impactful, community-centered resource to the Finger Lakes & Central New York regions —and we need your help to make it happen!

Why We Need Your Help

Every donation brings us closer to creating a vibrant space that will provide affordable, certified commercial kitchen access to food entrepreneurs, farmers, nonprofits, and community groups. This kitchen is more than just a facility; it’s a place where dreams can be realized. With your help, FLICK will be able to provide:

Affordable Commercial Kitchen Spaces

For aspiring chefs, small food businesses, and farmers who need access to USDA, FDA, and NYS Ag & Markets-compliant kitchen spaces to start or grow their businesses and sell food to the public.

Year-Round Culinary Programs for Youth

Expanding beyond Auburn’s Summer Rec program, we will offer children and teens programming aimed at building essential life skills in a safe, engaging environment.

Programs for Adults & Seniors

Accessible cooking and nutrition classes for adults and seniors interested in hands-on culinary experiences and connecting with others in a welcoming, social space.

Learn more about our programs here: FLICK Program Overview

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

Your donation will help fund crucial early renovations, including the construction of the Teaching & Stall Rental Kitchen, where our community members can gather to learn, create, and connect. Additionally, funding will go toward repairing the existing walk-in cooler and freezer units, allowing us to expand our support for local farmers and food producers with aggregation and distribution resources that strengthen our regional food system.

We are also seeking additional funding from local charitable organizations and private foundations, but community support is essential to meet our ambitious early 2025 opening goal.

How You Can Help

Every contribution—large or small—brings us closer to transforming this dream into reality. Your donation is tax-deductible and will directly support FLICK’s mission to create a resilient, community-based food system that benefits everyone.

Join us in building a kitchen, a hub, and a community resource that will serve the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions for years to come. Thank you for your generosity, support, and commitment to a stronger local food system!

Let’s build something amazing together. Donate today, and let’s make FLICK a reality!