Welcome Hall Mission officially opened a new centralized kitchen on April 1, 2026, unveiling a state-of-the-art facility designed to dramatically expand the organization’s ability to address food insecurity in Montreal. The milestone project was made possible by donations from organizations and community partners, including a C$200,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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The new kitchen centralizes the production of meals, replacing smaller, fragmented operations and allows for large-scale, consistent, and efficient cooking. The new kitchen is expected to increase production from 1,500 up to 10,000 meals per day. Sam Watts, chief executive officer (CEO) of Welcome Hall Mission said, “I haven’t been able to find anything like it anywhere else in Canada, just to give you an idea of the scope and magnitude and the capability.”
Anna Gainey, member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount, spoke at the opening event, noting, “It is truly impressive. It’s the collaboration between different levels of government, industry and the businesses here in our community.”
This centralized kitchen represents a transformative step forward in how we serve our community,” said Watts. “By combining operational efficiency with compassion, we are not only increasing access to nutritious meals but also creating meaningful pathways to employment for individuals who need it most.”
Addressing Food Insecurity
“This milestone represents a new chapter in our mission to fight the growing food insecurity and homelessness in Montreal,” Watts said, noting that “far too many people are hungry in Montreal. … The latest estimates we’ve seen are that 35 percent of Montreal children go to bed hungry on any given night.”
The centralized kitchen will help meet that demand not only within Welcome Hall Mission programs but also by supporting partner organizations serving vulnerable populations across the city.
Eco-sustainability and Training Opportunities
Guests at the launch toured the production space and observed the kitchen’s large-scale capabilities and environmentally responsible design. The facility incorporates three guiding principles: employability, efficiency and eco-responsibility. The kitchen’s culinary training programs will prepare people for employment, while its advanced equipment will increase the production of meals and its sustainable practices will reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.
Through a hands-on culinary training program, individuals facing barriers to employment will gain practical, job-ready skills in food services. This program aligns with Welcome Hall Mission’s broader strategy to open doors to stability and independence.
Milestone for a Long-Standing Mission
Welcome Hall Mission, founded more than 126 years ago, continues to expand its role in supporting Montreal’s vulnerable populations through integrated services addressing physical, emotional and social needs.
The new kitchen is part of the larger Welcome Hall Mission Complex, which offers a wide range of services, including emergency food programs, housing support, addiction services and a free dental clinic.
Steve Harvey, Church Welfare and Self-Reliance manager for Eastern Canada, said, “This new kitchen is an excellent project to help those in need. I was impressed by the organization’s services and commitment to help those in need as the Saviour would.”