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A New Community Kitchen Brings Hope to Moncton Families

On May 29, BGC Moncton opened the doors to its new Medavie Foundation Community Kitchen. In this bright, welcoming space, kids, teens, and families can enjoy healthy meals, learn to cook, and feel part of a caring community.

This new kitchen is more than just a place to make food. It’s a place where young people can build confidence, learn important life skills, and connect with others. It’s also a big step forward in the fight against hunger in our communities.

The Medavie Foundation Community Kitchen was made possible through the support of the Medavie Foundation and many generous partners. Together, they helped raise over $400,000 to build this space and support BGC Moncton’s food programs.

More than just a kitchen 

In 2024 alone, BGC Moncton served over 63,000 healthy meals and snacks to kids and teens. They also ran cooking and nutrition programs that taught over 70 young people how to make meals, eat well, and budget for groceries.

Now, with the new kitchen, BGC Moncton can do even more. They plan to triple the number of cooking programs they offer and introduce new classes for families and seniors. The kitchen will also host intergenerational cooking classes, where kids and adults can learn from each other. These programs will help people of all ages learn how to cook healthy meals and enjoy time together in the kitchen.

“This kitchen is much more than a place to prepare food. It’s a space where meaningful learning happens, where young people build confidence in themselves, and where a strong sense of community is created. Every meal represents our investment in a child’s health, happiness, and potential.”

- Ashton Beardsworth, Executive Director, BGC Moncton -

A commitment to community health

As one of its three core focus areas, the Medavie Foundation works with organizations like BGC Moncton to help Canadians lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by making nutritious food and physical activity more accessible.

“We believe that strong communities are built through shared experiences, and food has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. This space belongs to the staff, volunteers, families, and youth who will fill it with energy, laughter, and learning, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll create here.”

- Craig Dalton, Chief Operating Officer, Medavie Health Services New Brunswick -

Building a zero-hunger community

The new kitchen is part of BGC Moncton’s Zero Hunger Community initiative, which helps ensure children and families have access to healthy food. From warm after-school suppers to fun weekend cooking classes, the goal is the same: to help people feel safe, supported, and well-fed.

“There’s so much that we do here at the club when it comes to wellbeing, recreation, education,” Beardsworth added. “But all that starts with nutrition and having a full belly. How can we focus on these other, incredible opportunities if we’re just stressing on where our next meal is coming from?”

A recipe for a brighter future

With the Medavie Foundation Community Kitchen now open, the recipe for a brighter future is clear: a pinch of compassion, a spoonful of community, and a dash of hope—served daily.

The Medavie Foundation is proud to be part of this journey and excited to see what’s next for BGC Moncton and the families they serve.

“We’re proud to support this important initiative, which will provide not only nourishing meals but also a welcoming space where community members can connect, support one another, and feel a true sense of belonging.”

- Andrea Elliott, Director of Social Responsibility, Medavie Foundation -

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