Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Food Station?

Food Station is a place where makers, producers, growers and farmers come together to change the food system. Food station enables food makers to professionalize and scale up their product. It offers a physical location in the form of production space and office space and also the opportunity for young makers to exchange knowledge that is necessary for the successful production of the food product. It is also a hub/community where the entire chain can meet each other: farmers with residual flows, farmers with field margins, and existing food makers.

Who is Food Station intended for?

The food station is for:
- Novice food makers who work with residual flows or otherwise promote sustainability, biodiversity or short chains and who want to scale up their production
- Farmers and fruit growers with a sustainable approach who want a fair price for their harvest
- Producers and processors of food products with a usable residual flow
Other people interested in the circular food chain

Subscriptions:

What types of food producers typically subscribe to your shared production space?

Most producers work with fruit, vegetables and/or legumes from the region, often also residual flows. They make different types of products from it: soda/syrup, sparkling fruit wine, kombucha with circular oranges as a seasoning, cider made from ugly apples, tempeh from Dutch beans, gin made from leftover potatoes, and much more.

What are the available subscription levels for producers and their associated benefits?

There is a small subscription, which includes 2 production days per month for 450 euros. Medium is 4 production days per month for 610 euros. And a large subscription is 8 days a month for 790 euros.

What is the notice period?

The notice period stated in the contract is 3 months.

Can I book a meeting room?

In principle, the meeting rooms can be used by everyone. If you want to reserve the space in advance, you can indicate this in the agenda. You can find the space for the large and small space here and here.

What types of machines and equipment are available in the shared production space?

A boiling kettle, buffer kettle, bottle filling equipment, cleaning equipment, fermentation tank, shredder, juicer, stacker, and so on. If you use one of these devices, make sure you first get instructions from someone who has used the device before. In addition, you can use equipment and machines from other makers in consultation. There is also a drying room for slowly drying ingredients or products and a freezer and cold room for cold storage.

Is there a process for reserving or scheduling production times within the shared facility?

There is a planning tool in which you can indicate on which days you want to use the production space. If you don't need the entire production space, other producers can reserve the other half of the space and you work side by side.

Do I need to bring my own production clothing?

Yes. You can only work in the room in clean, suitable work clothing and work shoes.

Do I also have to clean the room?

At the end of each day, the check-off list for cleaning the area must be followed and signed off. Are you the last to produce during the week? Then use the extensive cleaning list.

What amenities or facilities are available in the office?

WiFi, coffee, tea, a syrup bar, 2 meeting rooms, a microwave, a dishwasher, storage space and a refrigerator.

Are specific networking or collaboration events organized within Food Station?

Yes, there are meet-ups on themes that are interesting for the makers, such as wholesalers, B2B marketing, trade fairs, sales. We also organize markets, neighborhood drinks, theme dinners and workshops. Other ideas and initiatives are very welcome.

Commercial

Do I have to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce?

Yes. Food Station only works with companies.

What insurance coverage is required for producers using the shared facilities, and what coverage is provided by Food Station?

Food station offers space that meets (safety) requirements for food production, but producers must have their own liability insurance.

How are the products of the affiliated producers marketed and promoted?

We have an online store that combines all products and by promoting products on social media, the success of one product attracts visitors to view the other products.