The Ceres Community Project has unveiled a new $22 million, state-of-the-art headquarters in Santa Rosa, featuring a massive commercial kitchen designed to quadruple its production of medically-tailored meals. The nearly 20,000-square-foot facility is entirely electric and powered by a solar microgrid, which officials say will cut energy costs by two-thirds and ensure operations continue during power outages.
Per the Press Democrat, the nonprofit, a pioneer in the “Food is Medicine” movement, provides nutritious meals to North Bay residents battling chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease, with 80% of clients living below the poverty line. State Senator Mike McGuire hailed the expansion, noting that the Ceres model has already helped reduce hospital visits by 60% for many patients.
Beyond its daily deliveries, the new Apollo Way facility will serve as a climate resiliency center, capable of providing specialized meals to emergency shelters during local disasters. It also offers expanded space for the organization’s signature youth program, which trains hundreds of teenagers in culinary and leadership skills each year.