Shelbourne Community Kitchen Update November 29, 2024

As we head into December, we reflect on the tremendous gratitude we have for all of our volunteers, partners, and funders, and the extraordinary year that we have had at Shelbourne Community Kitchen. Amidst the ongoing facility renovations, our programs have continued to thrive, serving over 1,600 adults and nearly 700 children with dignity and care.

Donate & Double Your Impact (donate now!)

This December, we invite you to join our Donate & Double Your Impact campaign! From December 1st to 31st, every dollar donated will be matched up to $15,000. With inflation and rising food costs, the need for food security has never been greater and so far we have registered more than 300 new participants, including seniors, families, and newcomers for support this year. At The Kitchen, we’re committed to providing fresh, dignified food support through our Pantry Program, Food Skills Programs, and Garden Programs. We’re also a hub for connection, where people can find resources and build meaningful relationships.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable by doubling our impact together!

This is our community's chance to make twice the difference. Every donation—big or small—will be doubled, amplifying the impact and helping us meet the growing demand for support.

Help us reach our goal by donating once the campaign is officially launched on December 1st, and spread the word to make an even bigger impact! DONATE TODAY

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Renovation Update: 90% Complete!

Thanks to your generosity, our commercial kitchen and accessibility upgrades are nearing completion! Key milestones include:

  • A new walk-in fridge and freezer in the food supply area
  • Upgraded dish room with a high-capacity dishwasher
  • Beautiful new cabinets, commercial appliances, and an accessible island in the kitchen
  • Comprehensive fire suppression, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems throughout
  • Enhanced accessible entranceway and exterior landscaping (see our Exterior Plan!)
  • (For LCC -fence update, paint and repairs to hallways at LCC lower floor)

What’s left? In December, we’ll install the final kitchen counters and finishing touches, and conduct final inspections with Saanich Planning, the Fire Department, and Island Health. We’re on track to open the renovated space in the first weeks of January 2025!

Click HERE to learn more about the renovations.

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Programs Continue through December

While renovations wrap up, we’ll continue offering our vital programs and services from the Upper Hall of Lutheran Church of the Cross, on Wednesdays 12pm-5pm and Fridays 10am-3pm. We have some special holiday programs planned! View Calendar

  • All-Member Holiday Gathering & Cookie Swap on December 9th
  • Special Holiday Meal Kits featuring Hanukkah, Yalda, and Winter Solstice dishes
  • Pantry Program with extra special offerings for each participant, festive refreshment, treats, and giveaways
  • Family Turkey Draw with over 50 turkeys being donated!

We look forward to celebrating with our members before closing for the holidays. Our last day of operations is December 20th, 2024.

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Garden Programs Set New Annual Harvest Record
For the Fourth Year in a Row!

As we bid farewell to the 2024 growing season, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community that made it all possible. From the fields and greenhouse at Omnivore Acres, to the lush container garden at St. Luke’s Cedar Hill Church, our dedicated volunteers cultivated an astounding 10,716 lbs of organic produce this season! Yet again, our Garden Teams have reached an all time highest harvest record, beating the 2023 season by 1,400 lbs. What a season to remember!

These fresh fruits and vegetables, distributed through our Pantry and Food Skills Programs, are among the top things our members value most!

We extend our heart-felt thanks to Omnivore Acres Farm owners Catherine & Jim Gowans, garden leads Bruce Saunders (aka King Kale), Sue Schaeffer, Jack Wittur, and Lucy Griffiths, Rhiana and Charlie, and all the volunteers who poured countless hours into this shared labor of love. Together, you have made a tremendous impact at The Kitchen and for the people we serve. 

Here’s to growing fresh produce and community resilience -season after season!

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Click here to read the 2023 Annual Report from the Shelbourne Community Kitchen

Here is an update from earlier this year about their fundrasing for their new kitchen: CAPITAL CAMPAIGN – Shelbourne Community Kitchen

St. George’s community helps to support the Kitchen financially and with donations of non-perishable food and household staples. These staples are requested weekly, and the list can vary depending on the need. The donated items are blessed during a Sunday service and then taken to the Shelbourne Kitchen.

The Community Kitchen’s website, with full information, can be found at: http://shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca/about/vision-mission/

“The Shelbourne Community Kitchen’s mission is to create opportunities with people living on a low income to cook, grow, share and connect for improved health and wellbeing. We offer a unique neighbourhood food centre model. We provide opportunities for people to: Prepare and share healthy meals together; Access nutritious food; Work together to grow food and build gardening skills; Connect with other community resources and become resources for one another.”