Smoking Pastor Project pitches fully cooked, prepackaged protein and asks commission for help finding space and refrigeration

Jordan Davis, founder of the Smoking Pastor Project, told the commission his nonprofit aims to supply fully cooked, prepackaged protein to food pantries and outreach programs. "What if we could... prepackage fully cooked meat?" Davis asked, explaining the concept of cooking at scale, blast-chilling, and packaging family-sized portions (1-, 3- and 5-pound containers) that can be frozen and distributed to neighbors.

Davis described demand from local partners: Merciful Health asked for about 500 pounds a week, and the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank indicated willingness to distribute prepackaged items. He said the organization has purchased a blast chiller and is completing health-department licensing but lacks sufficient certified kitchen space, freezers and a refrigerated transit vehicle to scale operations sustainably. "Space is the most important... I need space," Davis said, explaining high local real-estate costs in Hamilton County and the need for a shared hub.

Davis also raised stigma and access arguments: by placing prepackaged, hot or reheatable meals at events or through mobile distribution, the organization hopes to reach families who might not engage with traditional pantry models. Commissioners suggested temporary partnerships with school kitchens or shared commercial kitchens, and asked the commission to track licensing requirements and potential funding or facility partners.

No formal action was taken, but commissioners committed to follow up on facility options and potential coordination with the county food bank and local pantries. Davis said he will continue conversations with Merciful Health and Hamilton County health officials about logs and transportation requirements.