The Rainbow Kitchen Story
Victoria’s Second Largest soup kitchen
In 2001 parishioners from a small Anglican Church hall on the border of Vic West and Esquimalt were able to provide coffee, tea and sandwiches one day a week. In 2010, the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society was established as a registered Society & Charitable Organization!
Two years later, Rainbow Kitchen expanded to their current home at 500 Admirals Rd in Esquimalt to meet the increasing need.
Fast forward to today and Rainbow Kitchen has grown to be regarded as a hub for food security programming in the Capital Regional District. Providing free hot meals and facilitating food sharing to anyone in need.
No questions asked.
Land Acknowledgement
Rainbow Kitchen is located on the traditional territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees on whose traditional territories, we live, we learn, we play, and we do our work.
We acknowledge that the historical relationship to the land and territories of these peoples continues to this day.
Through the work we do we are accountable to the following communities: Esquimalt, Songhees, Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), Pauquachin, MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat), and Tseycum First Nations.
We hope that Rainbow Kitchen acts as a gathering space for children, families, and elders. We strive to create a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for all, including Indigenous peoples.
What is Food Security?
The United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security defines food security as the means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
Rainbow Kitchen strives to increase food security through various programs throughout the Capital Regional District.
COVID-19
Rainbow Kitchen has adapted to the global COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and guests. Stringent sanitation processes, temperature checks and adapting programming to a ‘To-Go’ model are just a few of the new protocols in place.
Rainbow Kitchen is committed to continuing to adapt and adhere to all provincial health regulations as they develop.
Our Team
Rainbow Kitchen has three full-time team members, who along with our dedicated volunteers, are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and inviting environment for all.
Patrick Johnstone
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.
Ray Oelke
Front of House Manager
Contact: Email
After nearly a decade of working as a tree planter all across BC, Ray’s passion for food security and community building brought her to Rainbow Kitchen!
Ray is the Distribution and Logistics Supervisor at Rainbow Kitchen. She coordinates all incoming and outgoing food donations as well as the various food share programs.
Outside of work she enjoys surfing, hiking, her dog Schmitt, baking and all things arts and crafts!
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 inreciable outdoors!
Board of Directors
Meet the Rainbow Kitchen Board of Directors that help support our staff and volunteers with everything they do.
