The Manitoba government is providing $100,000 to help the International Society of Krishna Consciousness Manitoba establish a new commercial community kitchen in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced the funding through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program.
The investment will support the expansion of ISKCON Manitoba’s food-security services and the development of a fully equipped, certified kitchen capable of preparing more than 500 meals a week.
The kitchen will support the organization’s Food for Life program, which provides free plant-based meals to families, seniors and students at its facility at 1390 Roy Ave. and through mobile outreach.
The new facility will also be used for the organization’s Soul Spark, Sacred Gathering, and yoga and meditation programs, as well as emergency relief efforts.
“Our government is proud to support ISKCON Manitoba as they expand their vital work in the Weston neighbourhood,” Simard said in a news release.
Simard said access to healthy food is an important part of building strong communities and that the funding will help provide more people with a place to turn when they need assistance.
Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu, who attended an ISKCON Manitoba fundraising dinner, said food insecurity can contribute to social isolation in addition to hunger.
“Food insecurity is not just about hunger; it’s also about isolation,” Sandhu said.
ISKCON Manitoba president Vivek Singh said the organization began preparing meals with volunteers under difficult conditions but the new kitchen will provide a permanent resource for its food programs.
The organization said its Food for Life program has become an important source of support for people dealing with high food costs.
The From the Ground Up program provides grants of up to $100,000 to non-profit organizations, municipalities and Northern Affairs community councils for community revitalization, youth programming and capital improvements.
The Manitoba government said the program is intended to strengthen local infrastructure and support community life across the province.