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Life's Kitchen closing current location; new spot opening in 2021

Posted at 4:48 PM, Dec 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-03 10:26:50-05

BOISE, Idaho — After 17 years, Life's Kitchen is leaving its location at 1025 S. Capitol Street, but a brand new facility is right around the corner for the non-profit.

In 2003, Rory Farrow opened up Life's Kitchen to "serve up second chances" for struggling teenagers.

"She decided to start Life's Kitchen formally to help them deal with how to do finances, workforce development, and how to be on time for work. Just life struggles that those that are 16 to 20 don't always get that support," Executive Director Tammy Johnson said.

After all these years, the roof is deteriorating, making it unsafe for employees and students.

"What used to be down here was full carpet, and many times we would come in after a rain or a snow, and it melted. There could be 1 to 2 inches of water in the carpet all the way throughout this area," Johnson said.

Life's Kitchen is moving to a temporary location at the Salvation Army on Emerald until a permanent facility is ready next spring. The short-term spot has a commercial kitchen to offer over 25 hundred community meals still a week.

Johnson says this move is bittersweet.

"There are so many memories inside these walls. Over 750 youth have been trained here. This is where it started. Laughs, tears, everything and so leaving here leaves behind those memories, but at the same time we know where we're going is going to carry those memories over to our new space," Johnson said. "Thank you to everyone in the community who over the years has served Life's Kitchen and allowed us to continue to serve our youth. We know this next chapter is going to be just as important. We're excited for the future and for all of the community to come visit us when we're up and ready to go."

Life's Kitchen's new spot will be opening on Fairview in April of 2021. Their cafe is closed until the new facility is open, but they still are offering catering and community meals.