City Investment Supports New Possibilities at Pastabilities Unlimited

Published on July 24, 2026

Possibilities are taking shape as Kids Unlimited (KU) expands its nationally recognized Food Program through Pastabilities Unlimited, a new food preparation and distribution facility that will support increased meal production, workforce development, and retail sales.

Each month, the program provides more than 40,000 meals, helping address food insecurity by giving KU students and after-school program participants direct access to fresh, made-from-scratch options. It will also provide training opportunities for youth ages 14–20 through culinary skill-building and hands-on experience.

The planned facility, located at 717 N. Riverside Avenue, previously housed an automobile auction business and will be converted into a production center and restaurant, offering drive-through and carryout sales.

On July 15, the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) Board unanimously approved a $415,000 grant for site improvements that will enhance the Riverside Avenue corridor and support continued revitalization efforts in the Liberty Park neighborhood.

“To me, this project checks so many boxes. It’s focused on Liberty Park, it addresses blight, it has an economic development component in supporting workforce, and that’s just a few of the things,” said board member Jessica Ayres during the meeting.

Additionally, the board approved $120,000 from unallocated cash to replace the deteriorating sidewalk along Riverside Avenue at the project site.

The Pastabilities Unlimited pilot launched in 2025 and involved KU students and alumni selling handmade pasta at the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market in Medford, as well as through other local businesses.

“Kids Unlimited has always had a reputation of thinking outside of the box when it comes to creating solutions for community needs,” said Executive Director Tom Cole in KU’s annual report.  

Founded in 1998, Kids Unlimited is a youth development organization serving 1,600 children each day in the community. It provides after-school services to 10 elementary schools with some of the highest poverty rates, operates a public K-5 charter school, hosts summer camps, and supports youth through sports-based development programs.

    

 

(Photos courtesy of Kids Unlimited)