Templeton Wellness Kitchen will not reopen in wake of COVID-19, financial struggles
The Wellness Kitchen and Resource Center has permanently shut its doors following the shelter-at-home closure.
The kitchen’s closure is a result of the coronavirus pandemic, compounded with financial hardships related to a 2018 fire that damaged the kitchen’s building, according to a news release.
“Our challenges with the 2018/2019 building fire, and COVID-19 following on its heels, our capabilities of pulling through financially became overwhelming,” The Wellness Kitchen newsletter read.
The kitchen was founded 10 years ago by Templeton resident Nancy Walker in memory of her late father and in honor of her mother.
The kitchen provided nutrient-rich meals at little or no charge to those facing a health crisis. It also offered nutrition education classes.
In October 2018, the kitchen’s building at 1255 Las Tablas Road suffered smoke and water damage in a fire that started on the second floor.
After temporarily relocating to the Atascadero Bible Church’s commercial kitchen, it reopened for another year and a half.
The kitchen Board of Directors and founder announced the permanent closure May 23, even as San Luis Obispo County progresses through California’s statewide reopening plan.
Over the years, it provided meals for thousands of county residents with the help of many volunteers, the release said.
“I’m feeling the utmost gratitude to everyone who made this kitchen what it was,” Walker said in the release. “It was the incredible community of volunteers, benevolent benefactors, farms, patrons, families, and staff that brought life to these walls and love to the food.”
The wellness kitchen website has provided a list of nutrition resources.
