About Rainbow Kitchen
Filling the belly, feeding the soul
Founded in 2010, Rainbow Kitchen is a family-friendly community kitchen that specializes in providing delicious meals and connecting the community to resources. Everyone welcome, no questions asked.
If you or someone you know is in need of food, Rainbow Kitchen can help. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Rainbow Kitchen serves over 10,000 meals every month.
Hot Meals
Weekdays Breakfast 7:30am – 8:30am
Lunch from 11:30am – 1:00pm
Weekdays Breakfast 7:30am – 8:30am
Lunch from 11:30am – 1:00pm
Join us for a hot and delicious breakfast or lunch, served by our team of volunteers daily at Rainbow Kitchen. Vegetarian options available.
Schools
Launched January 2021
Launched January 2021
Launched in 2021, today our School Meal program supports five local schools, with over 6,000 meals each month.
Food Sharing
We rescue food from grocery stores, farmers, wholesalers to allocate and prepare for delivery to like-minded organizations in need of greater food security.
Mission
To provide food security and access to resources to all that we welcome through effective community partnerships.
Vision
To fill bellies and feed souls in the communities we serve.
We Need Your Help
Rainbow Kitchen Relies on Donations
Rainbow Kitchen is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers to support our staff. We rely on the generous donations of the community to meet the growing need.
Interested in supporting Rainbow Kitchen? We are always in need of non-perishable food items, cash donations, and helping hands.
Our Team
Rainbow Kitchen’s caring and talented staff, along with our dedicated volunteers, are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and inviting environment for all.
Patrick Jawes
Executive Director
Contact: Email
After a decade working abroad in international luxury hospitality and then coming to Victoria to call home again, Patrick’s expertise in guest relations and food & beverage management have brought him to today in the leadership of Rainbow Kitchen.
When he’s not working under the rainbow arches, you can find Patrick gardening, dancing around the house or toodling around town with his dog Tucker or partner Mitch.
Jillian Turner
Front of House Manager
Contact: Email
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality and customer service, Jillian brings warmth, leadership, and a deep commitment to community care. As a former business owner, certified life coach, and long-time volunteer, she’s passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Currently serving the Esquimalt community through Ribfest and Rainbow Kitchen, she’s driven by purpose and connection.
Mitchell Buie
Front of House Coordinator
Contact: Email
Growing up in Esquimalt nearly his whole life, Mitchell has always felt connected to this community and today as Rainbow Kitchen’s Front of House Coordinator, Mitchell is grateful for the opportunity to give back.
When he’s not at Rainbow Kitchen, Mitch loves playing rugby, snowboarding, and spending time with his family and friends.
Fraser Carey
School Meal Program Manager
Contact: Email
Fraser brings over 30 years of front- and back-of-house hospitality experience, along with a deep passion for the industry. He has taught tourism and hospitality, supported Whistler’s Food Bank and local school programs, and launched a community kids’ cooking program. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his dogs, building LEGO creations, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines.
Tracy Chowen
Distribution & Logistics Supervisor
Contact: Email
After working for more than a decade in the Quick Service Industry, Tracy felt a calling for change and sought a more meaningful role within her community. She discovered Rainbow Kitchen and the rest is history!
Tracy is the Distribution and Logistics Supervisor at the Rainbow Kitchen. She is responsible for coordinating the incoming daily donations and various community food share programs.
Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with family, friends and camping in our incredible outdoors!
dea Kearns
Distribution & Logistics Support
In a short time, dea is already feeling like a part of the employee, volunteer and larger community that the Rainbow Kitchen reaches! In her off-time, you will likely find dea with a paint brush in her hand, or spending time with her kids and dog.
Stay Up to Date
Brighter Together Foundation
Rainbow Kitchen has been the recipient of some amazing support this fall from our friends at the Brighter Together Foundation. Arriving in the form of an essential equipment purchase of two
Call for Volunteers!
Are you looking for a fun way to engage with your community and give back? Do you like dancing in the kitchen, whipping up some delicious meals and hanging out with
Thank You United Way of Greater Victoria!
As a not-for-profit, Rainbow Kitchen relies on the generous support from donors to continue our essential programs. United Way Greater Victoria has been a consistent and invaluable partner of Rainbow Kitchen
