MONTREAL – METRO this week announced the opening of The 15th METRO Shared Kitchen, located within Sun Youth's facilities in Montreal. Developed in partnership with Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ), the initiative is designed to promote food autonomy by giving community organizations access to fully equipped culinary spaces that encourage resource sharing, community-driven projects, and programs focused on learning, social inclusion, and reintegration.
The new Shared Kitchen will primarily serve individuals and families supported by Sun Youth through its food assistance programs, sports activities, and day camps. The facility will also be available to community organizations across Montreal and the surrounding region whose missions align with those of Sun Youth, expanding access to shared resources and collaborative opportunities.
"We are proud to have developed a concrete initiative that will enable Sun Youth and its partners to strengthen their capacity to take action and meet the growing needs of the community. It is also a tangible way to bring our purpose to life: Nourishing the health and well-being of our communities. Every kitchen becomes a place where meals are prepared, knowledge is shared, skills are developed, and lasting connections are built." said Marie-Claude Bacon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, METRO Inc.
Thanks to this new facility, Sun Youth and its partners will be able to prepare meals, organize collective cooking activities, offer culinary workshops and training sessions, and develop initiatives that promote food autonomy, social inclusion and reintegration.
Coordinated by a dedicated program manager, the Shared Kitchen will offer a diverse range of activities tailored to the needs of the individuals and families supported by Sun Youth. It will also provide opportunities for community organizations to share expertise, pass on culinary knowledge and collaborate on projects that address the specific needs of the people they support.
“This Shared Kitchen represents much more than a new space for food preparation. It will become a true community hub where our members, our partners, and local organizations can cook, learn, share knowledge, and develop impactful projects together. This investment will sustainably strengthen our ability to support the individuals and families we assist every day,” said Marina Boulos-Winton, Executive Director of Sun Youth.
The official launch took place in the presence of community partners, dignitaries and media representatives. During a collaborative cooking workshop led by Chef Oli, participants experienced firsthand the potential of the new Shared Kitchen and its positive impact on organizations and the broader community.
“Through the METRO Shared Kitchens program, we are giving organizations the means to strengthen their on‑the‑ground efforts at a time of growing need for food assistance in Quebec. While resources and infrastructure remain limited, these initiatives provide concrete solutions by fostering autonomy, inclusion, well‑being, and the vitality of communities,” said Alexandre Lebel, Executive Director, Food Banks of Quebec.
This new facility is part of the ongoing expansion of the METRO Shared Kitchens network. Through this initiative, METRO aims to leave a lasting legacy in the communities where it operates and help equip organizations and communities with the resources needed to address today's food security challenges and prepare for those of tomorrow. The third edition of the METRO Shared Kitchens program is already underway, and the selected beneficiary organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.
