​After five incredible years of service, the DSAL Community Kitchen officially closed its doors on July 1, 2025. While we are sad to say goodbye, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that this space has made possible.

​

What began in 2020 as a bold transformation of a long-abandoned animal control facility quickly became a vibrant hub for food entrepreneurs, a vital resource during the pandemic, and a catalyst for health, equity, and economic opportunity in Alameda County’s unincorporated communities.

​

Through the Kitchen, hundreds of local food entrepreneurs received support to grow their businesses — many going on to launch successful food trucks, catering companies, and brick-and-mortar restaurants. Together, we built more than just a kitchen: we created a community of support, learning, and shared success that will live on.

​

We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have filled this niche in our community for as long as we did. Although limited funding has made it no longer possible for DSAL to continue operating the Kitchen, we’re proud of the impact it made, and it's strong foundation that will live on in another form.

​

We remain in close conversation with County leaders and partners to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible and that the community’s needs continue to be met. 

​

DSAL's mission has always been to create safer, healthier communities through opportunity, and that mission continues today, as we focus on maintaining our free, year-round youth sports, fitness, and health programs that support more than 2,000 local residents each year.

​

Thank you to every chef, farmer, volunteer, vendor, and neighbor who helped bring the Kitchen to life.
And thank you to those who continue to walk with us as we work on what comes next.