Luján Visits Street Food Institute to Highlight Federal Funds

Albuquerque, N.M. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, (D-N.M.) visited the Street Food Institute to tour the kitchen area, visit with staff, and highlight the Congressionally Directed Funding secured to build the Barelas Central Kitchen, a new facility that will improve education opportunities for entrepreneurs in the street food industry. Earlier this year, Senator Luján secured over $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in the recent Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2022. With this federal funding, the Street Food Institute will provide local entrepreneurs a leg-up by providing the training and resources they need to succeed.

“Yesterday’s visit with the Street Food Institute demonstrates that when the federal government and local business work together, jobs and opportunities are created, and communities thrive,” said Senator Luján. “It was an honor to visit with staff and learn how they are preparing New Mexicans for the food service industry, and see up close how this new federal investment will help them further their impact. Once completed, the Barelas Central Kitchen will help entrepreneurs develop critical skills to further their careers in New Mexico’s food and hospitality industry. I look forward to developing more partnerships with local businesses, like the Street Food Institute, to help New Mexicans secure good-paying jobs while strengthening our economy.”

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