Agency spotlight: St. John’s Kitchen

St. John’s Kitchen, run by The Working Centre, supports people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental illness. It’s located within the newly opened building at 97 Victoria Street North in Kitchener, which also houses 44 units of supportive transitional housing and offers access to a wide range of services, including healthcare, dental care, harm reduction supplies, washrooms, showers, laundry, counselling, and income support.

With support from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, St. John’s Kitchen provides food assistance through its meal program, operating Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks throughout the day in a welcoming community space.

Community members enjoying a meal at St. John’s Kitchen.

“For 40 years, St. John’s Kitchen has provided a free nutritious meal every weekday,” says Roger Gilbert, hub lead at St John’s Kitchen. “It is a place where people come for a coffee, to meet friends, and to connect to services. It is a place of welcome and friendships. We work to build relationships of trust and support access to services.”

At St. John’s Kitchen, breakfast consistently includes fresh fruit and oatmeal, while lunch features roasted vegetables, rice, and a choice of meat or vegetarian options. Coffee and desserts are also available throughout the day. On average, the kitchen serves about 13,000 meals each month, making it a vital resource in the community.

“Knowing there is somewhere they can go to access food to get people through the day or week is really important,” Roger shares. “Also to be able to access it in a way where they feel invited in, seen, and welcomed through connection and belonging.”

Staff and volunteers serving meals at St. John’s Kitchen.

The organization also provides food assistance through its Market Table. Community members can access fresh and non-perishable foods, as well as clothing and hygiene items. The Market Table offers a range of items, which can include fresh vegetables, canned goods, sauces, soups, cereals, pasta, granola bars, and fruit cups.

“Food is an important element of building community,” Roger says. “Food can bring us together and provide comfort and nourishment. Sharing food is at the core of St. John’s Kitchen, where we provide a space for all community to come.”

St. John’s Kitchen runs two of the 120+ food assistance programs in the Community Food Assistance Network. If you’d like to help The Food Bank support Network partners like St. John’s Kitchen, visit our Get Involved section on our website to learn more about donating food, funds, or time.