RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Metro and Feed Ontario Launch Metro's Shared Kitchens Network in Ontario

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 (184 Bonnechere Street S, Renfrew, ON K7V 1Z5), 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 spacewill act as a community hub for food rescue innovation in Renfrew.

A special thank you to the Renfrew County District School Board for the 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 first edition of METRO's Shared Kitchens:
1. The Sharing Place - Orillia, ON
2. Kerr Street Mission - Oakville, ON
3. Regional Food Distribution Association - Thunder Bay, ON

The call for applications for the second edition will go out to Feed Ontario member food banks in early 2026.

About METRO Inc.
With annual sales of more than $21 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 995 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson, and 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 the 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: www.feedontario.ca.