Expansion
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Opens Union Station Homeless Services' Third Commercial Kitchen
By News Desk ·
Key takeaways
- The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon-cutting on October 27, 2026, for Union Station Homeless Services' third commercial kitchen at 1060 E. Colorado Blvd.
- The kitchen serves as the central production hub for meals at Union Station's housing sites and as a classroom for its Culinary Training Program.
- Two participants from the program's second cohort received job offers, according to COO Amanda Green.
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 27, 2026, from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM to celebrate the grand opening of Union Station Homeless Services' third commercial kitchen at 1060 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California. The chamber announced the event in a GlobeNewswire release.
Union Station's Third Kitchen in Pasadena
Union Station Homeless Services is the largest homeless services provider in the San Gabriel Valley and the lead County agency for Service Planning Area 3, coordinating services in 36 communities with a combined population of over 1.5 million. The new kitchen will serve as the central production hub, providing meals to the organization's housing sites while helping cut food costs and reduce food waste.
"This commercial kitchen is a huge deal for our Food Services and Workforce Development programs," said Katie Hill, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. "This kitchen will serve as the central production hub, providing meals to our housing sites while helping us cut food costs and reduce food waste."
The kitchen also supports the Culinary Training Program, serving as a classroom where adults learn commercial kitchen operations and food handling best practices. Participants receive their Food Handler Certification upon successful completion of the program, are connected with employers, and receive support with interview preparation and resume writing.
"The Culinary Training Program provides our participants with the opportunity to learn a new skill or trade, creating a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency," said Amanda Green, COO of Union Station Homeless Services. "Recently, two participants from our second cohort received job offers, which is exciting and shows just how important this space is for not only providing food but also creating opportunities."
Union Station Homeless Services plans to serve 6,000 Thanksgiving meals through its Dinner in the Park program, offering free holiday meals to families and individuals, GlobeNewswire reported on October 21, 2026.
The Chamber's 2026 Programs
According to akta.pro company records, the Pasadena and Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1888 as the Board of Trade, making it one of the oldest chambers in California. The chamber's Inaugural Gala drew 200 chamber members, community leaders, and political figures, and Bill Ukropina of Coldwell Banker Commercial was installed as Chair of the Board for 2026-27, succeeding Frank Girardot.
Other Food Nonprofits Expanding
Edesia Inc. opened 215,000 square feet of new manufacturing space in North Kingstown, doubling its food production capacity and adding 50 jobs, Providence Business News reported on October 22, 2026. Daniel's Table opened a new 7,000-square-foot facility in Framingham on Pearl Street, with a $1.5 million buildout funded by donors, Yahoo reported on October 22, 2026. The Banco de Alimentos Buenos Aires distributed 7.28 million kilos of food and hygiene products in 2025, reaching 354,027 people, LA NACION reported on October 20, 2026.
Next Steps for Pasadena and Area Chamber of Commerce
Union Station Homeless Services will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 27, 2026, from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at 1060 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.