Taproot, A History

A Timeline of Events for Taproot Community Kitchen

During the mid to late 1990s a group of Lopezians began discussing how they might improve local food systems and infrastructure. They saw the fragility of a system dependent on industrial producers and imports and wanted to do something about it. (In all reality, discussions like these has been happening for decades but we’re marking the 1990s as the starting point for Taproot).

Those discussions led to the first ever (and now much replicated) USDA approved Mobile Slaughter Unit, as well as the late 90s “SJC Food Processing Center Report — Building a Strong Island Food System” (March 1999). This also lead to conversations about forming a shared-use kitchen for making value-added products and brought together a passionate group of local food makers.

2011 – 2016

In the absence of a shared-use kitchen, Randall Waugh, Chicaoji hot sauce producer, happened upon a small kitchen space at Lopez Storage in 2011 — the original location of Lopez Island Creamery. 

Meanwhile, many locations were discussed for a shared-use kitchen — including LVM and the old Blossom site (now Brewvado Tap Room). And finally, the group landed on the Lopez Storage, the original location of the Lopez Island Creamery, where Chicaoji had started production. Before the Prep Kitchen was constructed both Randall and Josh Ratza made value-added goods in that old Lopez Creamery Space — now home to Taproot’s current Prep Kitchen.

May 2016

The Lopez Storage building owner Hal Seifert was generously supportive of the shared-use kitchen vision and in 2016, Taproot Community Kitchen was officially born as a federally recognized non-profit organization.

Nov 2017

Coolbot installation complete — a CoolBot uses an air conditioner to cool a room for storage of fruits and vegetables that require cool storage but not commercial refrigeration. Currently, the LIFRC Food Share and Lopez Gleaning project relies heavily on the Coolbot.

April 2018 – Aug 2019

Remodel of the old Lopez Island Creamery space in Lopez Storage into the current Taproot Prep Kitchen.

October 2020

Walk-in fridge installation complete. Funded by a USDA grant.

September 2021

Taproot was awarded a USDA Agricultural Marketing Services Local Food Promotion Program grant. This grant helped purchase specialty food processing equipment, provided the ability to hire a kitchen manager and outreach manager, as well as mentor emerging food businesses by providing them startup support.

January 2022

Walk-in freezer installation complete. SJI Ag Guild and the SJI Food Hub owns this freezer, Taproot manages and operates. Purchase through a USDA grant.

Spring 2022

Back-up propane generator installed, which services the walk-in freezer and fridge during power outages. Funded by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

April 2023

San Juan County approves Taproot’s cook room plans to expand its services by adding a fully equipment kitchen with ovens, a large range, and more storage.

June 2023

Taproot was awarded a USDA Rural Business Development Grant to outfit its new cook room with ovens, a large range, and more storage equipment.

December 2023

Taproot new cook room construction begins.

Summer 2024

Fire suppression kitchen hood funding secured and the down payment was paid to begin fabrication and installation. We hope to open in 2025!