Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society

About Our Organization: Nanaimo Community Kitchens promotes food security and nourishes the community through accessible cooking programs that promote skill development, knowledge sharing, friendship, and self-esteem. Our vision is to create a healthy community through cooking together where food brings people together and promotes overall well-being. Community Kitchens are places where people learn, cook, and build friendships, fostering a supportive and caring community.

What We Do: We provide access to economical, nutritious food and build food preparation skills to increase food security in Nanaimo. Our programs help individuals and families pass on essential cooking skills to the next generation and create stronger connections within the community. Overall, our mission and vision reflects our commitment to promoting health, nutrition, affordability, and community building through the act of cooking together. By focusing on these core values, we aim to improve the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

History Of Our Organization: Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society is a volunteer-driven community agency that has been supporting the citizens of Nanaimo since 1991. The organization was founded by Jeri Manley, who was working as Nanaimo's Community Nutritionist at the time. Concerning rates of poverty and food insecurity in the area prompted Manley to explore the concept of community cooking groups called Collective Kitchens, which had been successful in Montreal.

Inspired by the idea, Manley invited nutritionist Diane Norman to Nanaimo to discuss the implementation of similar programs. The response from local social service agencies was positive, leading to the formation of the Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society as a charitable organization in 1991. The first two Community Kitchens programs were launched at the basement kitchen of the Salvation Army and Brechin United Church.

NCK quickly gained popularity, and they published a cookbook titled "100 Meals for Under a Loonie Per Serving," which featured tested, nutritious recipes. The cookbook gained recognition and was featured in Chatelaine magazine in November 1996. Over 2500 copies were sold across Canada.

Community Kitchens provided a space for socializing, networking, and learning about other community supports. For many participants, including new parents, adults with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada, the connections formed in these programs were as nourishing as the food they cooked together. Cooking became a way to bring people together and build friendships.

Nanaimo Community Kitchens have had a significant impact on the community by addressing food insecurity, promoting healthy eating habits, fostering social connections, and empowering individuals and families to become more self-sufficient. Here are some of our key impacts:

Food Security: We play a vital role in addressing food insecurity by providing access to nutritious meals and teaching cooking skills. 

Nutritional Education: We offer educational opportunities for participants to learn about healthy eating habits, nutrition, meal planning, and budgeting. 

Skill Development: We help develop culinary skills and kitchen confidence. Participants learn various cooking techniques, recipe adaptation, and meal preparation, enabling them to create nutritious meals for themselves and their families. 

Social Connection: We foster a sense of belonging and social connection by bringing people together to cook, eat, and share experiences. We create spaces for building relationships, reducing social isolation, and promoting community engagement.