Case Study: Building a Shared-Use Food Hub with Full NYS Compliance - Tri-Corner F.E.E.D.

Client: Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. (Food, Equity, Education, and Distribution) Location: 50 South Center Street, Millerton, NY 12546 Contact: info@tricornerfeed.org Website: https://www.tricornerfeed.org/

Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. is a nonprofit working at the intersection of food access, equity, and education. Based in northwest Connecticut and serving rural communities throughout the Hudson Valley, their model combines a community food hub, educational programming, and shared infrastructure for local food businesses. Their mission: to increase access to affordable, culturally relevant food while supporting local producers and creating opportunities in a historically underserved region.

They approached AgriForaging Compliance Services with a vision to operate a shared-use commercial kitchen and retail grocery store. Their team was already rooted in the community and actively building out the facility, but they needed a clear regulatory strategy to meet New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) requirements.

We partnered with Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. to develop and implement a comprehensive compliance framework that aligned with regulatory expectations while supporting long-term operational sustainability.

The Challenge

Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. needed a licensed facility that could legally accommodate multiple food producers, nonprofit programs, and community-focused services under one roof. Their operational goals required:

• Dual-use licensing for both retail and commercial food production

• A kitchen layout that allowed for multiple users without compromising food safety

• Full compliance with Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP) requirements

• Clear, enforceable food safety standards for all vendors

• Alignment with NYSDAM Article 20-C licensing and inspection protocols

Our Role in NYS Compliance

AgriForaging Compliance Services led regulatory compliance efforts from initial design through final inspection. Our support included:

Retail and Commercial Kitchen Licensing

We prepared and submitted licensing applications covering both grocery retail and food production activities. Layout, labeling, and equipment specifications were reviewed to comply with NYSDAM Article 20-C. We also defined the inspection scope for a mixed-use facility model.

Shared-Use Kitchen Compliance

We structured the facility for multi-operator use by designing zoning guidance, clean and dirty flow patterns, shared storage procedures, and operator agreements to maintain compliance across all users.

ROP Compliance for Vacuum Packaging and Sous Vide

We developed the full ROP compliance package and submitted a variance request to NYSDAM. This included SOPs, log sheets, and training for staff to maintain safety controls for vacuum-sealed products.

NYS Agriculture and Markets Regulatory Alignment

We worked directly with NYSDAM to interpret and implement agency expectations. This included label reviews, recordkeeping systems, layout adjustments, and sanitation procedures consistent with inspection standards.

Food Safety Plan Development

We developed HACCP-based Food Safety Plans tailored to both the retail food hub and the shared-use kitchen, incorporating practical workflows and scalable controls.

Site Visits and Construction Support

During construction, we provided real-time layout feedback, equipment sequencing guidance, and utility coordination to support operational efficiency and compliance readiness.

Vendor Onboarding and Approval

We created intake systems and food safety expectations for vendors using the space. This allows Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. to maintain centralized compliance oversight without duplicating administrative tasks.

Results

Tri-Corner F.E.E.D. successfully passed its NYSDAM inspection and is now fully licensed to operate both its retail market and commercial kitchen. The facility provides critical infrastructure for food entrepreneurs, small farms, and community food initiatives to produce and sell legally. Their ROP variance is active, allowing for safe use of vacuum packaging methods.

Hudson Valley Fisheries trout purchased from Tri-Corner FEED. A scallion pancake, leafy greens, and a trout burrito topped with kimchi.

This is a nonprofit reshaping rural food access through practical infrastructure and systems that work. AgriForaging is proud to support that mission with technical solutions built for long-term compliance and community impact.

To learn more about their incredible work, visit tricornerfeed.org.

Planning a shared-use kitchen or food hub?

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