August 9, 2026
Manitoba Government Provides $100,000 to ISKCON Manitoba for New Community Kitchen
– – –Investment Will Strengthen Food Security in Winnipeg's Weston Neighbourhood: Simard
The Manitoba government is providing $100,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to support the International Society of Krishna Consciousness Manitoba (ISKCON Manitoba) in expanding its food-security services and building a new commercial community kitchen in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“Our government is proud to support ISKCON Manitoba as they expand their vital work in the Weston neighbourhood,” said Simard. “Access to healthy food is essential to building strong communities, and organizations like ISKCON Manitoba are on the front lines of that effort. This investment will help ensure more families, seniors and students have a welcoming place to turn in times of need, and it reflects our commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that make life better for Manitobans.”
ISKCON Manitoba has become a vital support for families, seniors and students struggling with record-high food inflation. Through its Food for Life program, the organization provides free, nutritious, plant‑based meals at 1390 Roy Ave. and through mobile outreach. But its mission goes beyond food by aiming to restore dignity, connection and hope.
“Organizations like ISKCON Manitoba are essential partners in building a compassionate and resilient province,” said Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu, who attended an ISKCON Manitoba fundraising dinner today. “This funding will help ensure more Manitobans have access to healthy meals and supportive community spaces. Food insecurity is not just about hunger; it’s also about isolation. These meals nourish both body and spirit, creating a welcoming space for people who need it most.”
The investment will transform the new community kitchen into a fully equipped, certified kitchen capable of preparing more than 500 meals a week for the Soul Spark, Sacred Gathering, and Yoga and Meditation community programs, as well as for emergency relief efforts.
“The new community kitchen represents the very best of Manitoba’s spirit of service and community partnership,” said Vivek Singh, president, ISKCON Manitoba. “What began as volunteers preparing meals under challenging conditions will now become a permanent resource dedicated to feeding people, strengthening communities and bringing hope to those who need it most. We are sincerely grateful to the Manitoba government for helping transform this vision into a lasting legacy of compassion and care.”
The From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program is a Manitoba government grant program that provides up to $100,000 to help non-profits, municipalities and northern affairs community councils fund community revitalization, youth programs and capital space improvements that strengthen local infrastructure and support vibrant community life.
To learn more about the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/grants/.
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