Central Kitchen Update: Our Next Chapter
We’re getting ready for an exciting next chapter at BB4CK: a move to a new Central Kitchen.
This page is your go-to resource for updates on the move. Here you’ll find information about the new location, construction progress videos, answers to common questions, a space to ask questions and share your thoughts, and ways to stay involved as we prepare for this exciting transition.
We know a change like this can bring up questions, and we’ll continue updating this page as new information becomes available.
Here are some quick links to help you navigate this page:
Why is BB4CK moving?
We moved into our current space downtown in 2020, and since then, food insecurity has grown in Calgary, with more kids and families accessing our programs. While this space has served us well, over time, it has become too small for our operations.
To help meet that growing need, we’re moving to a new location at 4639 Manhattan Rd SE. This will be the first kitchen designed specifically for our programming needs, giving us twice the production space and three times the storage capacity. That means more room to prepare meals, store food safely, and ultimately reach more kids with the nutritious food they need.
When are we moving?
We’re planning to move in the fall, but with any construction project, timelines can shift. We’ll continue sharing any updates and key milestones with you as things progress.
Building our new kitchen: construction updates
Follow along as our new kitchen takes shape. Check back here for videos and progress along the way.
Central Kitchen Update: Our Next Chapter
We’re getting ready for an exciting next chapter at BB4CK: a move to a new Central Kitchen.
We know a change like this can bring up questions. This page is here to share what we know so far and to give you a space to ask questions or share thoughts along the way.
Here from Bethany about the new space and what it means for BB4CK:
Common questions
We’ll keep this page updated as plans take shape and as new questions come up.
If you don’t see your question answered yet, that’s okay. Things are still coming together, and we’ll keep sharing updates as we go.
1. Why is BB4CK moving?
We moved into this space in 2020, and since then, food insecurity has grown in Calgary, with more kids in our community accessing our programs. While this space has served us well, over time, it has become too small for our operations.
This move will allow us to work more efficiently so we can continue supporting kids and making sure they receive the food they need.
2. Where is the new location?
Our new kitchen and office will be at 4639 Manhattan Road SE, with easy access from Blackfoot Trail and other major routes. It’s about a 10-minute drive from our current space downtown. The new location will remain accessible by public transit and will also offer on-site parking.
3. When will the move happen?
We’re planning to move in the fall of 2026, giving us time to get everything ready for a smooth transition into our new home. As with any construction project, timelines can shift, and we’ll keep you updated with any changes and key milestones along the way.
4. Is this a short-term or long-term move?
This is a long-term move. We’re planning to stay in the new space for approximately 10 years, providing stability and allowing us to plan and operate with the long-term in mind.
5. Why is this move a good thing?
The new space is much larger than our current one and is being designed to better support our day-to-day operations. We’re also considering staff and volunteer feedback to ensure the space truly meets our needs. The new kitchen will allow us to:
- Improve kitchen flow and efficiency.
- Provide more space for staff and volunteers to move and work comfortably.
- Include purpose-designed spaces for different activities, creating a better experience for all.
- Better manage deliveries, storage, and refrigeration.
- Offer functional and welcoming spaces for staff and volunteers.
- A dedicated volunteer space.
- Provide on-site parking.
- Improved designated pick-up and drop-off areas for delivery drivers.
- Locate office space on the same level as the kitchen to better support operations
Most importantly, this space will help us continue supporting kids and ensuring they have access to food in a consistent and sustainable way.
6. Will the move affect BB4CK programs or services?
No immediate changes to programs or services are expected as a result of the move. We’ll continue to operate as usual, making and delivering lunches to kids in school during the school year and summer.
The new space will better support our operations and increase capacity, helping to ensure that kids continue to have access to nutritious, safe, and culturally and dietarily appropriate food.
7. Will the move affect my volunteer shifts?
With the move planned for fall 2026, there are no changes to our operations or volunteer shifts through June 2026 and the summer. All volunteering will continue at our current downtown location. We’ll share more details as we know more.
8. Will the new kitchen replace community kitchens?
Community kitchens and volunteers who spend their time with us are an important part of the BB4CK community. They play a meaningful role in supporting kids and families within their own communities, and they make an incredible impact. To best support kids in Calgary, BB4CK adjusts programming as needed, and we promise to communicate transparently and in a timely manner should there be any changes that affect Community.
9. Will I need to do anything to continue volunteering?
No action is needed right now. We’ll share more details closer to the move, including any information related to volunteering at the new space.
10. When will more details be shared?
Construction has officially started, and we’ll keep sharing updates as things progress, with plenty of notice along the way. We’ll continue posting updates here and through our newsletter and other channels as things move forward.
11. What can volunteers expect next?
As things move forward, we’ll share more about the new space.
We’re planning plenty of opportunities for volunteers to come in, get familiar with the space, and take part in any training needed before things officially get going.
Have a question or something on your mind?
We know a move can bring up questions, ideas, or just things you want to share.
If you have a question that isn’t answered above, or if you’d like to share a comment or thought, the form below is there for you.
Growing Together for Calgary’s Kids
Our new Central Kitchen is a big step forward in helping us meet the growing need for food support in Calgary. It’s designed to help us reach more kids and strengthen our impact, now and into the future. If you’d like to learn more about our Capital Campaign and how you can be part of what comes next, explore the campaign page.
Thank you for being part of this work and what comes next!