This December, community members had the opportunity to test out LRSD’s new Community Kitchen, which was recently relocated to the René Deleurme Centre from the Bistro in the Park, under the guidance of Chef Michael Erin.  

The first programming trial had René Deleurme Centre’s Beading and Breakfast participants don their uniforms to make a hearty, shared breakfast. With fried Bannock, bacon, and hashbrowns three ways on the menu, each person worked at various prep and cooking stations to help bring the food to life. In the second program trial, members from LRSD’s Settlement Program participated in a make-and-take cooking session featuring hearty quesadillas. Peppers were chopped, cheese was grated, and all were assembled into a delicious meal they could eat both in the Community Kitchen and at home.  

At the end of each trial, participants shared the meal and connected over their experience. For some, it was their first-time making Bannock. For others, it was their first time using commercial equipment. These programs were a great way to experience the potential of future community food programming firsthand, providing invaluable feedback and a fun learning experience. 

With the feedback from the programming trials and input from a community feedback survey, LRSD is now ready to begin Community Kitchen programming. Programs will be designed to create opportunities for community members to gain new skills, foster community by creating and partaking in shared meals, and bolster food security efforts in LRSD. We look forward to sharing more about our future food programs as they launch!