Commissioners Award Grant to Hacienda's Micro Mercante Program
Today the Board of Commissioners unanimously awarded Hacienda CDC a one-time grant to expand their successful Micro Mercantes micro-enterprise project. Jeff and Maria Rojo de Steffey proposed this $36,000 grant that will leverage private donations to pay for a commercial upgrade of an existing kitchen at NE Portland's Ortiz Center.
The new commercial kitchen will provide a permanent home for the program and allow Hacienda to expand participation to new individuals. A permanent kitchen also means that fans of Micro Mercantes' fresh farmers market tamales and horchata, may soon be able to buy them in stores or by special order.
Micro Mercantes participants offered heartfelt testimony at today's meeting, describing how the increased income they generate from sales enables them to provide for their families independently, rather than seeking government assistance. Typical Micro Mercantes participants experience a 20% to 30% increase in their income.
Once complete, the Micro Mercantes kitchen will also be available for nutrition classes, community activities and other anti-poverty programs.
Posted on October 16, 2008
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