Our Mission
Farms and food businesses create good jobs that stimulate the local economy & feed our community. A lack of affordable food grade kitchen and storage spaces available for rent and the high upfront cost to build out such spaces creates a significant barrier for growth for farmers & food entrepreneurs. FLICK removes these barriers to growth and supports the creation of good, sustainable jobs in Central New York.
As part of our community engagement efforts, FLICK offers recreational programming focused on nutrition-based education and culinary skill development for both youth and adults.
Our Story
Following a successful sophomore year of culinary programming as part of the City of Auburn's 2023 Summer Recreation Program and in partnership with the Auburn Housing Authority, FLICK, Inc. is now fundraising to acquire and build out a shared use-commercial kitchen space.
In addition to offering industrial and commercial cooking equipment for rent to food businesses and entrepreneurs, the facility will also offer approximately 2,000 sq feet of cold storage space to support the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of locally sourced produce and wholesale products.
How it Started
Founded in 2023 by food entrepreneurs and food system advocates, Fran & Nick Daloia, FLICK, Inc. began as a avenue to encourage healthy eating in a fun and engaging way via recreational cooking classes offered through the City of Auburn's Summer Recreational Program for kids ages 6-14 yrs old. Since then, FLICK, Inc. has evolved to also serve as a solution to a growing need for commercial kitchen space to serve food entreprenuers, food business start-ups, food trucks, and culinary-focused community programming.
Where We Are Today
We are currently fundraising to complete the Phase I buildout of our facility, which will include the creation of the Teaching & Stall Rental Kitchen and a walk-in cooler. Our facility will offer cost-effective rental space for food businesses and community groups, allowing them to safely prepare food for public sale.
In addition to serving as a commercial kitchen, the space will support workforce development programs by offering food safety and sanitation training, certifications, and operational planning resources for food entrepreneurs. The facility will also host recreational cooking classes for youth and adults, promoting healthy, local, and sustainable eating habits while fostering essential life skills.
Through these programs, FLICK aims to strengthen the local food system, empower small businesses, and encourage healthier lifestyles in our community.
Make a donation.
Our nonprofit relies on support from our generous community and we would love yours to help continue to build our mission. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting the Finger Lakes Incubator & Commercial Kitchen!