"This funding has had a significant impact on our community, as local organizations now have access to a processing kitchen to carry out various educational training, meal preparation, and other projects. This kitchen enables us to gain even more ground in the fight against food waste by allowing us to repurpose the food received in our facility and redistribute it to those in need."

"We are very enthusiastic about running a brand-new workshop program in our new premises. The improvement of our kitchen space marks the beginning of a valuable collaboration with local organizations that work with the citizens of Boisbriand. Gathering in our METRO Shared Kitchen promote the creation of a supportive community where everyone contributes to the well-being and individual growth."

“The establishment of METRO’s Shared Kitchen represents a considerable asset for the Portneuf community. This food hub enables us to process a large quantity of downgraded or unsold food, ensuring it’s redistributed within Portneuf’s food assistance network. As a central location, it optimizes our operations and provides our partners with a free and accessible space for their food-based initiatives, whether for collective kitchens or knowledge-sharing activities, thereby strengthening food security in the region.”

“The establishment of this METRO’s Shared Kitchen in our new facilities represents an opportunity to bring all our activities together and offers a new lineup of workshops. This new space allows us to reach a wider audience, build connections within our community, and promote food autonomy."

“This METRO Shared Kitchen within our youth centre is an opportunity for our young people to develop their food preparation skills. By participating in the workshops, they can directly build their food autonomy by learning cooking techniques and recipes. These activities also emphasize the principles of healthy and balanced eating, raising awareness about the importance of making informed and beneficial food choices for their physical and mental health. Finally, the youth can take part in various intergenerational activities related to food, allowing them to showcase their learning, build self confidence through cooking, and potentially spark professional vocations.”

“While we’re in the early stages of operations, I’m already seeing the positive impact this METRO Shared Kitchen will make in the community of Renfrew. Throughout the year, RCI's culinary arts students will learn, manage and operate the shared kitchen, gaining valuable real-world experience while supporting food bank programs and community cooking classes.”

“This new Shared Kitchen is more than just a space but a catalyst for change. With METRO’s support, we’re expanding our ability to feed our community, not only with healthy meals, but with dignity, connection, and opportunity. This kitchen will help us reach more people across Orillia and surrounding rural areas, reduce food waste, and empower individuals through shared cooking, learning, and belonging.”

“These upgrades will help transform more surplus food into healthy meals while strengthening skill‑building, community connection, and food autonomy. With METRO’s support, this kitchen will help us reach more people across Thunder Bay and surrounding rural areas, reduce food waste, and empower individuals through shared cooking, learning, and belonging.”