Culinary industry celebrates Women’s History Month
Every March, women’s contributions, rights and efforts are recognized during Women’s History Month with International Women’s Day on March 8. In San Luis Obispo, At Her Table, a central coast organization dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses in the food, beverage and lodging industry collaborated with local restaurants and entrepreneurs for a 10-day Women’s History Month festival.
Founder of At Her Table, Michelle Barrera, created in the organization in 2021 to elevate women in the culinary industry and provide them with resources, funding and networking opportunities on the central coast.
“I really believe in leading by example and you are what you create around you and I believe by using my voice, my platform, it will inspire,” Barrera said. “It’s great for me even if I inspire one woman to be thinking, hey, I could live my dream or get a little bit closer to it.”
When the organization initially began, only 36 businesses were registered with Barrera. Today, At Her Table supports over 300 women-owned restaurants in San Luis Obispo county, with their largest yearly celebration taking place during Women’s History Month.
This year the festival was held from March 1 to 10 and had more than 40 workshops, special menu items, discussions and dinners.
“When it came to Women’s History Month, I didn’t see much going on in our county,” Barrera said. “Yes, it was acknowledged, but I wanted it to be acknowledged in a big way.”
Community events included MCV Wine’s Family Fiesta workshop, a table-to-farm brunch organized by Tiber Canyon Ranch and an International Women’s Day Celebration in Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Food specials were offered by several restaurants such as Jeffery’s Wine country BBQ, Beerwood and Blue Moon Over Avila.
Outside of March, At Her Table offers educational programs taught by industry experts for business management, marketing and diversity.
The organization aims to achieve connection and collaboration through social events, such as quarterly mixers.
“This is a way that the women can connect to one another and we found that so many of the women in the culinary industry need support,” Barrera said. “So we have a private group that we all chat on.”
At Her Table also provides women’s health resources to its members such as mammography and pap smears. According to their website, membership is free and businesses that participate in the annual Women’s History Month festival received 100% of sales.
The organization is entirely funded by sponsorships and donations from the San Luis Obispo county community.
To donate, volunteer and learn more about At Her Table visit their website
