Page 94 - United States of Pie

mission to economically empower low-income people in north central
Austin through small-business development and mentoring projects.
Officially started in February 2009, the Texas Pie Kitchen is a

relatively new nonprofit, but Jen is already planning for the future.
She has planted blueberry bushes and apple trees in the backyard of
her home, with the hopes that they will bear fruit in coming years.
What could be better than a truly local fruit pie? “We would love to
have a storefront in a place where it’s needed,” Jen tells me. “Then
this would truly be a community-supported project.”
As my time at the Kitchen comes to a close, I jokingly ask Larrick if
learning how to make pie was life-changing. He quickly answers:

“Pie did change my life. It kept me out of trouble.” Looking around
the pristine kitchen, successfully managed by Larrick, I nod,
embarrassed by my own sarcasm. I realize that sometimes a pie is
more than pie—it can be about self-reliance and education. Pie can
be a symbol of a job well done. A place like the Texas Pie Kitchen is

showing its students this every day.