Tasting Haiti

Tropix Kitchen is a newly established kitchen under Flint Social Club in Flint, MI. Tropix Kitchen's goals are to create events through pop ups, private catering, cooking classes for both atypical children and adults with special needs to introduce copious communities to the Haitian cuisine and culture utilizing Michigan's produce. Creating social events for the disabled population will enable an inclusive atmosphere and opportunities for social interaction.

About this idea

Tropix Kitchen is bringing Haitian Cuisine in diverse areas throughout Michigan through pop ups, private catering and events. We would like to create events around Haitian cuisine and culture for the developmental disabilities and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury ) population. Creating social events for the disabilities population will enable a unique experience of entertainment and socialization with other individuals with similar interests. During these events, menu will have a visual as well as word to aid a universal way to communicate wants and needs throughout the events. We aim to use Michigan grown produce to bring forth the Caribbean flavors of Haiti one city, one plate at a time. We also would like to offer free meals to the homeless population once a month to give back to the community.

Impact

We will be solving the lack of Haitian cuisine and cultural events around Haiti in Michigan, except for Grand Rapids, MI. We will also have a unique approach utilizing visuals during cooking classes for easy to follow step by step directions for individuals with specials as well to communicate effectively about the meal items of their choice. Lastly, we would like to give back to the community by providing free meals to the homeless population quarterly in collaboration with community organizations.

What I'll do with $5,000

Winning this grant will enable Tropix Kitchen to obtain necessary equipment for pop up and catering events such as chafers, pans and pots, tables and chairs, napkins, take out boxes, investing in minimal marketing banners and social media promotion, a tent, laminator and laminating sheets , a printer, printer papers to create visuals, employing and supporting individuals with special needs part time and providing hands on trainings for employment in the culinary world. Lastly, kick off our first free meal event for the homeless community.

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