Photo Share - Global Fare on Market Day |
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August 29th, 2005 - 02:02PM |
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Photo: International Rescue Committee From Bob Montgomery, director of the IRC's refugee resettlement office in San Diego: The El Cajon Marketplace in El Cajon, California, delivered more than fresh produce at its opening on July 14. Walking down Orange Street, shoppers were treated to mouth-watering peaches, vibrant floral bouquets, meticulously handcrafted jewelry--and delicious global fare created by refugee food vendors from Iran, Colombia and Somalia. The three vendors, who resettled in the San Diego area with help from the IRC, are graduates of an IRC microenterprise program designed to help them start food businesses and turn them into self-sustaining operations. After a practice run at an El Cajon concert series the previous week, the vendors were eager to peddle their culinary creations on market day. Equipped with business cards, menu boards, catering brochures and professionally printed signs, the entrepreneurs demonstrated the enormous leaps they’ve made, from business novices to savvy sales people. With week one under our belt we took away lessons learned and continued enthusiasm. As the market season continues, we eagerly anticipate expanding the international palate of downtown El Cajon. El Cajon Marketplace Web site Posted By: Kathleen Sands | Refugees in the U.S. Permalink |
