A Saanich food centre has started construction on a new commercial kitchen and facility upgrades.
The Shelbourne Community Kitchen’s renovation project, expected to be finished in May, includes adapting offices and a meeting space, building a dining area, expanding the existing walk-in cooler and installing additional fire suppression.
“Despite the construction, the kitchen continues to provide vital food support and programs, just in a different part of the building and on reduced hours,” said Shelbourne Community Kitchen director of operations Kim Cummins.
“In January, we have been providing grocery gift cards for members while packing up our facility and adapting to the first few weeks of renovations. Adapted programs and services begin in February.”
Lutheran Church of the Cross has provided its upper hall for the kitchen to run operations twice a week.
“We are so grateful to Lutheran Church of the Cross for supporting us through the construction and to all those who donated to the campaign to help this vital facility improvement happen,” said board chair Clarice Dillman. “At this time of skyrocketing food and other essential costs, the services we provide are absolutely critical to our members.”
The project will allow the Shelbourne Community Kitchen to expand its services, increase capacity and bring back in-person cooking classes.
The not-for-profit organization runs programs that lower barriers for families and individuals living on low incomes to access healthy food. Its services have supported more than 1,500 adults and over 500 children.
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