Residents of North Central Idaho and Southeastern Washington with an interest in starting (or expanding) their own food business, are asked to invest a few minutes in filling out a survey, to determine the need for a regional food processing kitchen.

The effort is spearheaded by the newly formed "Inland Northwest Food Hub" - a growing coalition of organizations and companies, including Tastes of Idaho (Orofino), Harvest Ridge Organics (Lewiston), Wilson Banner Ranch (Clarkston), Lindsay Creek Vineyards (Lewiston), City of Lewiston - Economic Development, Idaho and Washington Small Business Development Centers, Public Health - Idaho North Central District, University of Idaho Extension Service, 2DegreesNS (Moscow) and the Nez Perce Tribe.  More partners are welcome.

According to Jacqui Gilbert, Regional Initiatives Planner with the City of Lewiston, the group came together to incubate regional food entrepreneurship, and help agricultural producers add value to their crops.  "And we are not just about a processing kitchen", she said, "but also a real network or "hub" to bring together existing and future resources for the creation of a regional food identity".

Current and prospective food entrepreneurs and agricultural producers may go to www.InlandNWFoodHub.com and fill out the survey online - or download, print, and mail in a completed survey.  Those without internet access may call Gilbert at (208) 746-1318, extension 261, to have a survey mailed to them.

Organisations and individuals interested in helping develop the Inland Northwest Food Hub should call Gilbert and come to the next meeting, 10 AM, Wednesday June 20, at the City of Lewiston Community Development Building, up stairs meeting room, 215 "D" Street, Lewiston.