Montreal, September 9, 2026 – METRO is proud to announce the opening of the 15th METRO Shared Kitchen, located in Sun Youth's facilities, in Montreal. Developed in collaboration with Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ), this initiative aims to strengthen food autonomy by providing organizations with access to adapted culinary facilities that encourage resource sharing, the development of community-based initiatives, and participation in activities that foster learning opportunities, social inclusion, and community reintegration.
The Shared Kitchen will primarily respond to the needs of individuals and families supported by Sun Youth, particularly through its food programs as well as its sports activities and day camps. It will also be available to other community organizations in the area and the Greater Montreal that share a complementary mission.
"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.
About METRO Inc.
With annual sales of more than $22 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people. Its purpose is to Nourish the health and well being of our communities. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the company operates or services a network of some 1,000 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson, and some 640 pharmacies primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. For more details, visit corpo.metro.ca and follow the latest news on LinkedIn.
About Food Banks of Quebec
The Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network is present throughout Quebec with its 34 regional members, many of which operate under the Moisson name. They provide nutritious foodstuffs to more than 1,400 affiliated community organizations delivering food assistance to hundreds of thousands of people every month. Since 1988, the FBQ has made it possible for resources, expertise and information to be pooled to fight food insecurity and alleviate hunger among vulnerable populations..
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