March 13, 2015
NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre Celebrates Official Grand Opening
The NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre expanded its services to the community today by officially opening the doors to the new Norwest Co-op Community Food Centre, the first of its kind in Winnipeg, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief said.
“The new Community Food Centre is an exciting addition to the NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre,” said Minister Chief. “This kitchen is an opportunity for community members to come together to make healthy meals for their families and engage as a larger community.”
The centre extends the existing primary care and social services currently provided by NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre, and is operated in partnership with Community Food Centres Canada.
“The food centre will provide people of all ages with greater access to healthy food through free community meals,” said Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Melanie Wight, who attended the announcement today on behalf of Minister Chief. “There will also be community gardens, cooking classes and groups, education programs for kids, peer advocacy, community engagement and volunteering opportunities. All of these will make an enormous difference in the lives of people in the area.”
The Manitoba government supported the NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre with $140,000 in funding to create a commercial kitchen capable of servicing a seating area of up to 100 people. The funding also assisted with accessibility upgrades and the construction of a community dining room. This project will assist in providing a fully functioning facility focused on the health and well-being of the community, as well as creating Winnipeg’s first Community Food Centre which will reach an estimated 500 residents each week.
“Food is something that connects us all. Our beautiful new Community Food Centre is a dignified space where the community can truly come together,” said Kristina McMillan, director of the Community Food Centre. “Through the power of good food, we can build health, hope and community in Inkster.”
Provincial funding for the project was provided through the Community Places Program, as well as the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, which provides grants to support the rehabilitation, improvement, or expansion of not-for-profit or city-owned existing community facilities within the city of Winnipeg.
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