METRO Unveils Its First Shared Kitchen in the Lanaudière Region

Joliette, April 27, 2026 — METRO, in collaboration with its long-time partner Food Banks of Quebec, is pleased to announce the unveiling of a sixth kitchen in the METRO’s Shared Kitchens network. This is the network’s first facility in the Lanaudière region, and it will be operated by the Carrefour jeunesse emploi de D’Autray Joliette.

With the opening of this METRO’s Shared Kitchen, a consortium of nonprofit organizations in the Joliette RCM will have the resources needed to improve food security and support community initiatives across the territory. This new facility will also promote food self-sufficiency and build skills through innovative programs, while strengthening a sense of belonging within communities and breaking down isolation.

“The community chose to invest in strengthening food self sufficiency for its population. The CJE became involved, in partnership with local stakeholders, to support organizations and give them the means to accompany their clients, develop their food related skills, and make a real difference in addressing food security challenges across the territory. We are proud to lead this unifying and deeply human project, supported by a committed committee whose members share a common vision of the kitchen as a lever for learning, solidarity, and autonomy,” said Bruno Ayotte, Executive Director of the Carrefour jeunesse emploi de D’Autray‑Joliette.

METRO is investing nearly $3 million in the first two editions of METRO’s Shared Kitchens, including $100,000 for the installation and launch of the Joliette Kitchen.

“We made sure to develop a project that genuinely responds to the needs of the community. We are very proud of this tangible initiative, which allows us to create a lasting legacy in the communities where we operate and brings our purpose to life: “Nourishing the health and well being of our communities,” said Marie Claude Bacon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, METRO.

Meeting the needs of the community sector
Sharing facilities, personnel and material resources, as well as funding to build new professional kitchen infrastructures dedicated to different types of educational cooking programs will able community organizations to better meet their needs.

“We know that the lack of resources and infrastructure remains an obstacle to the development of this type of program for our members. The funding will have a major impact in the affected communities, as organizations will now be able to do more for their beneficiaries. The enthusiasm shown by our network demonstrates the need for these types of facilities in Quebec,” says Martin Munger, Executive Director, Food Banks of Quebec.

The third edition of METRO’s Shared Kitchens is already underway. The selected beneficiary organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.