BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- The aroma of spices and simmering meals once filled the air at the Brownsville Community Culinary Center (BCCC) in Brooklyn. Yet, the future of this beloved community treasure now hangs in the balance, its financial stability teetering on the brink.
For Esme Louison, a Brownsville resident with diabetes, the BCCC wasn't just a cooking class; it was a lifeline.
"This center did save my life," Louison declared, recalling how the program empowered her to manage her condition through healthy cooking habits. "I learned a lot, lost 20 pounds, and my sugar is almost stable now."
But for Louison and countless others, that hope could soon simmer down. The nonprofit, offering free culinary training and a cafe with healthy meals and health education programs, faces a crippling financial crisis.
"When the pandemic hit, we lost our funding," says BCCC Executive Chef Alexis Aquino, his voice heavy with concern. The pandemic dealt a devastating blow, leaving their signature culinary program – the heart and soul of their work – on the brink. "Relaunching it has been incredibly difficult," Aquino admitted.
Despite the challenges, they haven't let the flame go out completely. "We've been fortunate to do a lot of other things and contribute in other ways," Aquino acknowledged. However, he emphasizes, "the culinary program is the heart and soul of what we do."
The BCCC goes beyond teaching cooking skills. It shapes futures like Louison's, offering training and career pathways. Its Diabetes Wellness program empowers individuals like her to manage their health through delicious, nutritious meals. Without this center, the impact would be profound.
The BCCC is desperately pleading for community support. Aquino stressed, "We need your help to continue shaping futures like Louison's."
This isn't just about saving a program; it's about sustaining a beacon of hope and opportunity in Brownsville.
To donate to the BCCC, you can visit its website here.
