Winnipeg's Purple Kitchen turns food bank staples into nourishing meals and confidence
A free cooking program in Winnipeg, The Purple Kitchen, is helping people transform basic food bank items into healthy meals. The program, run by the West Central Women's Resource Centre (WCWRC), launched in February 2022 to combat food insecurity and develop culinary skills. Participants not only learn to cook but also leave with meals and newfound confidence in the kitchen.
The idea for The Purple Kitchen emerged when Liliana Sanchez, food security manager at WCWRC, discovered dozens of donated beet packages. She saw an opportunity to teach people how to prepare nutritious meals from simple ingredients. The program swiftly grew, welcoming 89 participants in its first year.
The classes emphasize culturally appropriate foods, respecting the traditions of newcomers and Indigenous peoples. Participants cook together in a supportive space, sharing knowledge and taking home the meals they prepare. Many have reported improved cooking skills, enabling them to feed their families full, balanced meals.
Beyond cooking, the program offers food handler certification. So far, 67 participants have earned the certificate, opening doors to job opportunities. The sense of community has also thrived, with many describing the kitchen as a second family.
The Purple Kitchen is part of a broader trend across Canada. Similar programs, like Toronto's Community Kitchen Program (with over 100 sites since the 1990s) and Vancouver's SHARE Family Cooking Program, provide culinary training and food support. Organizations such as Second Harvest and Food Banks Canada also run initiatives targeting low-income families, immigrants, and Indigenous communities.
The Purple Kitchen has made a tangible impact in its first year. Participants gain practical cooking skills, job qualifications, and a stronger sense of belonging. With dozens of similar programs nationwide, community kitchens continue to address food insecurity while empowering those who need it most.
