OAKVILLE, ON, May 28, 2026 — METRO, in collaboration with its long-time partner Feed Ontario, is pleased to expand its METRO Shared Kitchens network with the opening of an upgraded community kitchen at Kerr Street Mission in Oakville.
With this enhanced facility, Kerr Street Mission will expand its culinary programming, education initiatives, and community outreach across Oakville. A cornerstone of the organization’s work, the kitchen supports prepared meals, youth and seniors programming, and partnerships with local groups that are all aimed at fostering connection, dignity, and belonging through food.
The upgraded facility includes a new high-capacity dishwasher and an expanded, more durable serving counter. These upgrades will improve efficiency and increase the capacity of the space, allowing Kerr Street Mission to serve more people while expanding programming such as cooking and nutrition workshops, shared meals, and other community initiatives.
“At Kerr Street Mission, food is at the heart of how we bring people together,” said Gary O’Neill, Executive Director, Kerr Street Mission. “These upgrades will help us better serve our community, support our volunteers, and create new opportunities for people to connect, learn, and build a sense of belonging through shared meals and cooking programs.”
METRO is investing nearly $900,000 over four years to launch the first phase of its Shared Kitchens network, with just over $40,000 allocated to support upgrades at Kerr Street Mission. This investment supports infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
“We made sure to develop a project that responds concretely to community needs. We are very proud of this tangible initiative, which allows us to create a legacy in the communities where we operate and to bring our purpose to life: 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, as well as funding to enhance professional kitchen infrastructures dedicated to different types of educational cooking programs and training will enable community organisations to better meet their needs.
“We are thrilled to partner with METRO on the METRO’s Shared Kitchens network 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.”
Building on this momentum, METRO has invested an additional $900,000 in 2026 to support three more community kitchen projects across Ontario, bringing the total number of METRO Shared Kitchens to seven.
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 Feed Ontario
From securing fresh and healthy food sources to driving change through policy research and innovative programming, Feed Ontario unites food banks, industry partners, and local communities in its work to end poverty and hunger. Join Feed Ontario and help build a healthier province. Every $1 raised provides the equivalent of 2 meals to an Ontarian facing hunger. Learn more at: feedontario.ca.
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Further information
METRO Media Relations
media@metro.ca