Our facility
THANKS TO THE DONORS TO OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, WE BROUGHT HOME THE KITCHEN!
WHy our improvEments matter
+ a commercial kitchen
Our new commercial kitchen contains state of the art
equipment that meets ISLAND HEALTH and FOOD SERVICE
PREMISE standards.:
- Return of in-person cooking and food skills
- Offering workplace training, and leadership opportunities to build skills and hopefully get more income into the pockets of our members
- Community meals create opportunities for people to share meals together, helping to reduce social isolation, and increasing access to nutritious meals.
- Commercially produce in-house for our pantry program and raise revenue
+ accessibility improvements
Our project included accessibility improvement such as:
- a ramp
- handicapped washroom,
- wheelchair-accessible cooking station
These are essential for the Shelbourne Community Kitchen because they ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can participate fully in programs and services. These upgrades promote dignity and independence, allowing people with disabilities to cook, learn, and connect without barriers. They also help The Kitchen meet legal accessibility standards and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. By creating an environment that welcomes all community members, The Kitchen strengthens social ties and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
+ additional walk in fridge & Freezers
Having additional walk-in fridge and freezer space is vital for The Kitchen because it allows for safe storage of the fresh produce we grow in our gardens. With more capacity, we can accept larger quantities of fresh and frozen food donations from local farms, grocery stores, and community members. This helps reduce food waste while ensuring a steady supply of healthy ingredients for our programs and food distribution. Expanded cold storage also means we can better plan ahead and serve more people in need throughout the year.
+ iMproved pantry area
An expanded pantry area is important for The Kitchen because it allows us to store more food and essential supplies to meet growing community needs. With more space, volunteers can easily access items, even during our busiest times, making operations smoother and more efficient. A larger pantry is also vital for expanding our Pantry Program, enabling us to serve more households with dignity and choice. Ultimately, it helps us build food security and resilience in our community.
+ improved office space
Dedicated office space is essential for The Kitchen to effectively manage over 200 volunteers and serve more than 1,700 members. It provides staff with a place to coordinate the complex logistics of working with community partners, donors, and suppliers. An organized office also supports better communication, planning, and record-keeping to keep programs running smoothly. Additionally, it creates a professional environment where students can gain valuable skills and experience while contributing to the kitchen’s mission.
We are so grateful for our campaign partners
Grand opening celebration - April 30, 2025
our honourees
Also honoured but missing from photos; Jesse Garlick Architects; Waterworks Irrigation & Landscaping Ltd.; Abstract Developments; Marlowe Residential Inc.; Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association; Army, Navy, Airforce Veterans In Canada Unit 12, Times Colonist Christmas Fund,The Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller: Banyan Group Construction, Craig Thoman; Urbana Kitchens; Columbia Cabinets; Colonial Countertops; Colonial Railings; Lutheran Church of the Cross; Don Mann Construction; Brent Butterfield.