METRO and Feed Ontario launch METRO’s Shared Kitchens Network in Ontario
RENFREW, ON, November 14, 2025 - METRO Inc., in collaboration with long time partner Feed Ontario, is proud to announce the launch of METRO’s Shared Kitchens in Ontario, building on the network originally launched in Quebec in 2024.
METRO’s Shared Kitchens will enable Feed Ontario food banks working to make sure everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food to receive funding so they can build collective gathering places where different groups within the community can come together. METRO is investing nearly $900,000 over four years for this first edition of METRO’s Shared Kitchens in Ontario. The kitchens will promote access to healthy, nutritious food through collaborative programs, to create a sense of belonging within communities and provide a resource for those feeling isolated.
“Our goal was to develop a program that enables us to respond to local needs in a meaningful way. We are very proud of our collaboration with Feed Ontario in creating a tangible project for their food banks, allowing us to establish a lasting impact in the communities where we operate. This initiative brings to life METRO’s purpose to nourish the health and well being of our communities,” says Marie Claude Bacon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, METRO.
Meeting the Needs of the Community Sharing facilities, personnel and material resources between organizations, as well as funding to build new professional kitchens dedicated to various educational cooking programs, were some of the needs identified by community organizations in the application process.
“We are thrilled to partner with METRO on the launch of METRO’s Shared Kitchens in Ontario,” says Carolyn Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Feed Ontario. “These kitchens will help food banks and community groups provide innovative programs that improve access to healthy and nutritious food, provide learning opportunities like cooking classes, and create opportunities for social engagement that helps reduce isolation for those most vulnerable in our communities.”
Inaugural Kitchen Opens in Renfrew The announcement aligns with the opening of the program’s inaugural kitchen in Renfrew, Ontario. Located at Renfrew Collegiate Institute, the upgraded kitchen will help extend the reach of the Renfrew & District Food Bank. METRO’s funding enabled the addition of a new prep and teaching area, along with six state of the art kitchen stations designed to accommodate groups of up to 30 participants. In addition to serving as a teaching kitchen for students and adults, the space will act as a community hub for food rescue innovation in Renfrew.
A special thank you to the Renfrew County District School Board for playing a pivotal role in making this partnership possible, facilitating the collaboration and providing the space at Renfrew Collegiate Institute.
“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”, says Michael Wright, Culinary Arts Teacher and President, Renfrew & District Food Bank. “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.”
Here are the other projects being funded during the Ontario first edition of METRO’s Shared Kitchens:
- The Sharing Place – Orillia
- Kerr Street Mission – Oakville
- Regional Food Distribution Association – Thunder Bay
The call for applications for the second edition will go out to Feed Ontario member food banks in early 2026.
