New Community Kitchen Opens in Prince Rupert
In partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, The Salvation Army in Prince Rupert, B.C., has opened a newly renovated community kitchen.
The main reason for the upgrade was to be able to meet client demand. The former community kitchen was about the size of a regular household kitchen, and it was not conducive to serving large groups of people.
According to Captain Dawn Butt of the Prince Rupert Salvation Army, one of the major improvements to the kitchen includes the addition of several industrial appliances such as a walk-in freezer, walk-in cooler, dishwasher, stove, and an indoor griddle. These new features allow the kitchen staff to serve more guests.
“It is now easier to serve people with the upgrade to an industrial kitchen.”
“We had a basic house kitchen before. It is now easier to serve people with the upgrade to an industrial kitchen,” Captain Butt said.
The planning process for the renovations began back in 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the actual renovation did not start until 2021. The work was completed in February 2023.
This project was possible thanks to the generous grant of $450,000 from the Port Authority, as well as a donation from Farm Credit Canada, which helped fund the purchase of the industrial appliances.
On March 3, the new community kitchen was officially inaugurated during an event called “Soup for the Soul”. This was the first-time post-pandemic that guests could come inside the kitchen and have a meal.
“The Port Authority wanted us to help kick off our new space and so they came down to help us cook and serve our new guests with the opening of the kitchen and the dining space,” Captain Butt said.
“Thank you to the community for their support. Without it we wouldn’t be able to do what we do with our kitchen and food bank.”
Thanks to the inauguration event, returning guests were able to experience the new kitchen. Their first impressions seem to be positive overall.
“All of the clients that have come back have said that our building is nicer and more welcoming because we painted the inside a nice bright light grey. They are glad that they can be back,” she said.
The Prince Rupert Community Kitchen is open from Monday to Friday, serving breakfast and lunch. Cash, gift card, and produce donations are accepted. Volunteers are always welcome.
“Thank you to the community for their support. Without it we wouldn’t be able to do what we do with our kitchen and food bank.”
By Juan Romero
