St John's Kitchen

A great place to get food and any community help you may need.

I have been a client here off and on since October of 2017. When the pandemic came, no matter how desperate I got for resources, I made the decision to forego asking for help. I have several serious chronic health issues including serious hypertension and diabetes. I also help a 92 year old lady that requires support after breaking her hip. Someone in my apartment building just died from COVID a few weeks ago. A friend told me that I could go to St. John’s Kitchen to get my COVID-19 vaccine, so yesterday morning I headed there fighting awful anxiety the whole way. When I got there a lady with a clipboard was putting people on the list to be vaccinated. When my name was put on that list I felt enormous relief. Awhile later the lady came around and said that if we hadn’t been accessing the soup kitchen throughout the pandemic we would NOT be receiving a vaccination. I have stayed away from community meals despite having been a regular at several programs in the region because my fear of dying from Covid which is a very real possibility (I am the same age and have a similar medical history to the first person who died in Waterloo region as a result of COVID-19) than I am of going hungry. I’ve lost a substantial amount of weight during the pandemic because groceries have become MUCH more expensive and many things are out of my reach. I tried to reason with the lady and I was told that I would not be able to get vaccinated there. I left in tears and furious that essentially I was being told that I couldn’t get a vaccine because I had stayed home. I called back and spoke with someone explaining the situation AGAIN and I was told to come back to be vaccinated. Your frontline staff were right to send away folks who wouldn’t ever darken the doors of a soup kitchen save for the vaccine, like the entire upper middle class family who showed up decked out in designer duds. The RN involved said that her mission was to protect the most vulnerable population which apparently only means people of her choosing - common sense and WHO guidance is pretty clear- I definitely NEEDED the vaccine based on health status and the fact that I’m helping someone elderly and medically vulnerable on a daily basis. I will say that your frontline staff were absolutely WRONG to not listen and respond on a case by case basis.

Always drama and fights over dope. Food is slop that is worse then jail food. The homeless deserve better.

Food is good with whatever comes off the truck. They don't always have the same thing everyday. But ignore the crazy drug addicts that you see screaming there, believe me I work at WASL downstairs and all we hear is constant swearing from outside our fire Escape door and a lot of them have been caught either sneaking into the back room or stealing from our Antics where we keep clothes for the Green door if you need clothing just ask don't steal from our store if you do yeah we don't want you back.

St. John's Kitchen provides a really great support for those people in needs. They serve around hot meals for almost 300 people everyday. They also commit to provide nutritious meal. In addition to that, they also have medical clinic, shower and a residence for people who are very sick. The volunteers that work there are very nice.

Reading books is an amazing thing, and I do agree with the fact that reading a book is the best way to enjoy company sometimes because while I was reading 14 people came by, and just to ask to check if I was okay. They have meals here where you can meet new people, great housing and employment supports sometimes on certain days of the weeks, and of course the food bank prpgra

A community soup kitchen and so much more! They help the homeless here EVERY DAY, and in so many ways! Feel free to stop in and ask some time. I am happy to know I also have a friend or two (at least) involved with this place, and certainly another place I would gladly volunteer for if I had the time.

Great for the homeless and low budget households. Great staff as well

The service here is phenominal.Diverse menu options daily, with endless coffee, bread and live entertainment throughout the entire service.Kitchen is open concept allowing the guest to experience the entire prep phase and there are staff available to meet your every need.From morning coffee with complimentary paper, to lunch and even special holiday events, this is hands down the friendliest and most exciting kitchen in town.Don't miss it, they are crazy busy and the is always a lineup for lunch, but you won't ever forget your experience.

And yet another great resource for our community! Say what you like about the people who go here but if not for this place and a few other places they would be knocking on your door looking for food