Faviola and her family arrived in the USA with the recent wave of migrants from South and Central America, fleeing the political and economic crisis in her home country. She is from Barinas, a city in the southwestern region of Venezuela, where she learned to cook arepas from her mother.
Arepas are a traditional dish in Venezuela, and a tradition passed on to Faviola from her mother. Faviola says growing up they were never missing from the table.
Now Faviola finds herself making Arepas for a different reason. Unable to find steady employment, she makes them to provide a source of income for her family as they navigate a country and language unfamiliar to them.
“I like to cook arepas because it not only helps provide for my family, but also serves as a way for me to express who I am and where I come from” says Faviola.
As Faviola prepares her batch of Arepas she does so with very little supplies for preparing, transporting and Distributing them. Despite stiff competition and scant supplies, she successfully sells her entire stock quickly.
With adequate supplies, Faviola would not only increase her production of arepas but also enhance her family’s financial stability.
Our Goal
To equip Faviola with the necessary tools and guidance to not only sustain her family but to also foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and bolster her confidence in expanding her food vending business.
Our Partnerships
Our Impact
Chef Ben of (NUAA) hosted a 20 person pop-up style restaurant event at his home where he made Faviola the guest chef. This event raised $1,500 for Faviola and her family. Restaurantware donated cooking and food prep supplies that will provide Faviola with a tremendous head start on her food vending business.
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