YouB次元官网网址檝e heard of community gardens, but what about community kitchens?

The growing movement allows families the chance to gather together and prepare healthy, affordable meals which are then shared among the group. It isnB次元官网网址檛 exactly breaking new ground, but itB次元官网网址檚 beginning to gain momentum in the Capital Region.

In Saanich, a pair of community kitchens are operated by Saanich Neighbourhood Place in the Pearkes Recreation Centre.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really taking off, because more and more people are finding it difficult to fill their food needs, especially if they donB次元官网网址檛 have a big budget,B次元官网网址� said Sheila Avery, co-ordinator of food security programs at Saanich Neighbourhood Place.

Avery, who has overseen similar programs added while making meals is the stated purpose of the kitchens, in reality they provide much more than just food.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 also a way for people to meet others,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淢aybe theyB次元官网网址檙e new to the area and they donB次元官网网址檛 know anyone, or they want to get to know their neighbours better.B次元官网网址�

The social aspect of the kitchens canB次元官网网址檛 be overstated, said the executive director of the provincially-funded centre.

B次元官网网址淚n my mind, itB次元官网网址檚 as important as the meals they come away with,B次元官网网址� Colleen Hobson said. B次元官网网址淭he support systems are huge. In times of high stress, just having an outlet can be great. Some conversations you hear in the kitchen are pretty enlightening.B次元官网网址�

The community kitchens operate on about $30,000 a year, with the money coming from  gaming revenue. The funds donB次元官网网址檛 cover the cost of all the food B次元官网网址� some comes either from donations or the participants themselves. Grants also pay a portion of AveryB次元官网网址檚 salary.

Saanich Neighbourhood Place also offers childminding services, which helps parents take part in many of the programs offered at the centre.

That focus on inclusiveness extends to individual cooking abilities.

B次元官网网址淲e have two ends of the spectrum,B次元官网网址� said Avery, about the community kitchen participants. B次元官网网址淥neB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址業B次元官网网址檓 going to teach you how to cut an onion,B次元官网网址� and the other are super cooks.B次元官网网址�

The cost to participants is minimal. ThereB次元官网网址檚 no charge if you supply your own food. If you donB次元官网网址檛, the cost is $5 per session.

There are anywhere from 100 to 150 people involved in the kitchens at a given time throughout the year, said Hobson, adding that she and Avery are exploring ways to expand the program so that it can run during the evening as well.

B次元官网网址淲hen you see the success of support networks, with food being the medium that joins people together, thatB次元官网网址檚 the best part,B次元官网网址� Avery said.

For more, see www.saanichneighbourhoodplace.com/programs.