News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $40,000 in the Peter McKee Community Food Centre to support construction of a new community kitchen. Premier Brian Gallant made the announcement today during a tour of the centre.

“This innovative food centre is making a real difference in the lives of so many New Brunswickers in the region,” said Gallant. “The centre supports those in need and gives them life skills to improve their quality of life.”

The new kitchen will offer community-based cooking programs where small groups of people come together to prepare meals for their families, food centre clients or other groups who access the facility or need assistance with meals. It will also be used as a teaching kitchen to educate clients about following the Canada Food Guide and preparing fresh meals to combat obesity, especially in children and young adults. The kitchen will also be open to other non-profit organizations for similar purposes.

“This important investment from the provincial government will go a long way in helping us build a new community kitchen and educate more New Brunswickers about nutritious food choices and how to live a healthier lifestyle,” said Dale Hicks, president of the Food Depot Alimentaire.

The objectives of the community food centre are:

• to provide better access to healthy and nutritious foods to individuals and families in an inclusive and dignified setting;

• to increase food security in the community by offering holistic educational programs and social services, whether within the centre or in partnership with other community or government organizations; and

• to create an engaging community space where all community partners, businesses and residents can work together to inspire change and empower others.

The Peter McKee Community Food Centre opened in May 2016, merging three Moncton-area food banks into one. It helps 1,500 low-income families in the Moncton area. The centre is open five days a week and has a community garden, teaching kitchen and play room, as well as an on-site thrift store.