THE KITCHEN
A FOOD EDUCATION HUB TRAINING THOUSANDS OF YOUNG GHANAIANS
We build.
We’re launching THE KITCHEN, an all-round food education hub in West Africa, by end of 2024. We believe this is the missing link to solving Ghana’s major challenges, all under one roof.
THE KITCHEN will be a breeding ground for the next generations of change makers in food and agric in Ghana and West Africa. We train, equip and support them to build a career in food. From gastronomy, product development, hospitality, as well as farming and marketing of local climate resilient crops!
It includes a fully equipped kitchen, lab, dining, and co-working space. It will be the beating heart for the food community, serving as a meet-up, learn, co- work and event space.
We have received funding to finish the construction of the building but we need another 100K Euros/ 1,408,500 GHC to fully equip the building and start operations. We are therefore launching a global crowdfunding campaign, which you can support here.
#BUILDTHEKITCHEN
WHO IS GFM
We are the Ghana Food Movement, a network of young chefs, farmers, food producers, scientists, entrepreneurs, nutritionists, students and other food experts working together to tackle big problems in Ghana's food system.
The current system favours imported unhealthy goods, which undermines local farmers, processors and food brands. Youth unemployment rates are very high and local companies struggle to find skilled staff.
International driven agricultural policies and the shift to a Western and processed diet threatens Ghana's health and culture. Our ecosystems and biodiversity are under pressure and then there’s climate change and food security.
THE KITCHEN IS SELF SUSTAINING.
We have designed several business models to make THE KITCHEN self-sustaining after opening. The activities, events and training programs will generate income, as will the rent for the various spaces at THE KITCHEN and our lodge next to it. We have several confirmed partners and sponsorships. There are memberships for frequent users of the food lab and workshop spaces. And of course, we will sell food and drinks.
#BUILDTHEKITCHEN
THE KITCHEN WILL SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS
WE FLIP THE SCRIPT ON YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA
12% of Ghanaian youth are unemployed, which is significantly high. A study by GFM among 1,000 Ghanaian youth found that having the right resources, connections, and skills is very important for Ghanaian youth to find good jobs. We tackle these challenges by opening a food education hub to train, support and connect young food and agric talents.
WE REDUCE GHANA'S RELIANCE ON FOOD IMPORTS
Every year, Ghana’s food import bill increases and we are heavily dependent on imported food. This trend undermines the development of the food industry, local economies and job creation. Diets are also changing, and food traditions and recipes are getting forgotten. In THE KITCHEN, indigenous ingredients are always the centre of attention and traditional food practices are revived.
WE ARE PUSHING FOR AFRICA'S FIRST MICHELIN STAR RECOGNITION
There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Africa. This tells us that the world is missing out on our rich diversity of flavours, ingredients, and deep culinary culture. Through THE KITCHEN we promote Ghanaian and West African cuisine globally to showcase the quality and complexity of our produce and dishes!
YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL MAKE POSSIBLE
Equipping 1,000 people every year with skills, network and knowledge.
Employing young Ghanaians as chefs, product developers, hospitalists, farmers, etc.
Stimulating new markets and enable young entrepreneurs to launch new local food brands and restaurants.
Launching the next generation of changemakers and role models in food, inspiring consumers to buy ‘Made in Ghana’ as well as make healthy food choices.
Stimulating food innovation, new ideas, recipes, products, unexpected collaborations and services.
Advancing Ghana’s food industry through community building, multi stakeholder collaboration and global exposure.
Building a resilient and self sustainable Ghana.
EXAMPLE EVENTS
PREVIOSULY SECURED FUNDING
Last year we received generous funding from Chocolonely Foundation [Tony’s Chocolonely] to cover the initial costs for the construction of THE KITCHEN, land and outgrowers program. Without them we wouldn't as close to finalising our dream project and we want to thank them again for believing in us.