Heinrich, Luján Announce Nearly $2.4 Million To Support Albuquerque-Area Food And Hospitality Industry

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) secured $2,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Street Food Institute’s Barelas Central Kitchen project in the recent Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2022.

This investment will support the creation of a 10,000 square-foot facility that will be home to a small business commissary and food entrepreneurship training in Albuquerque. The Street Food Institute is a non-profit organization of food service and business professionals dedicated to teaching and inspiring students, future entrepreneurs, and existing food truck operators. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College.

“Historic relief provided through the American Rescue Plan provided the hardworking people of the food and hospitality industry a fighting chance and allowed many businesses to contribute to economic recovery efforts. Supporting entrepreneurs in this industry will build on that local economic growth. The Street Food Institute provides these business owners, old and new, with the resources they need to thrive. I’m proud to have secured $2 million in direct investments for this cause and can’t wait to see what’s next on the menu,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

“The food and hospitality industry is the lifeblood of so many New Mexican communities. With this federal funding, the Street Food Institute will give local entrepreneurs a leg-up by providing the training they need to succeed” said Luján. “By supporting small businesses in this industry, we are supporting job creation and bolstering our local economies. I’m proud to have delivered over $2 million for this critical venture in New Mexico.”

“The Street Food Institute is so grateful to Senator Heinrich and Senator Lujan for supporting this community project and we look forward to being a part of the Barelas neighborhood.  We are excited to be able to continue to serve as a resource for the amazing food entrepreneurs who work so hard to realize their dream of owning their own business as well as serving amazing food to our communities,” said Tina Garcia-Shams, Executive Director of the Street Food Institute.

Senators Heinrich and Luján are also welcoming $400,000 in grant funding for the Street Food Institute through the Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program established by the American Rescue Plan. This funding is expected to create 50 jobs.

The American Rescue Plan passed by Congressional Democrats, established a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund that provided critical relief to New Mexico restaurants so that they could survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Rescue Plan grant will help the Street Food Institute’s Survive to Thrive program that supports new and existing food businesses as they recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.