Drop-In & Food Security

The Purple Kitchen is a food security program providing classes in basic culinary skills, healthy eating habits, and Food Handler certification for people that face multiple systemic barriers in their lives.

Participants learn to transform common food bank items into affordable, nutritious meals, gain skills to reduce food waste, plan and budget, making healthy eating more accessible.

By embracing culturally appropriate foods that reflect the traditions of newcomers and Indigenous peoples, the program fosters belonging and respect and creates a safe space for participants.

The Purple Kitchen turns food donations into opportunities for empowerment, dignity, and community connection. It equips community members with tools for long-term success at home and in the workforce.

* A total of 89 participants took part in The Purple Kitchen in 2025.
* Of these, 67 obtained their Food Handler Certificate and 31 enjoyed the cooking classes.

Located at 448 McGee Street, WCWRC’s garden is comprised of 12 raised beds. Using a model of volunteer-based community engagement, we grow and harvest fresh vegetables and fruits.

The West Central neighbourhood struggles with access to grocery retailers since many are beyond walking distance and are inaccessible for many of our community members. The Community Garden formed out of an identified need for community access to fresh produce. Produce from our garden is shared with our community volunteers and is also used in our kitchen to make meals for the community.

The community garden is also a space for community to gather and participate in outdoor activities, including ceremonies and Indigenous cultural programming, gardening & nature programming, and community events, such as summer Tea & Bannock and BBQ’s.

We organize recurring and special programming to build community around crafting and learning in a fun, relaxed environment.

Examples of recurring programming include:

• Clothing Mending Mondays;
• Tuesday Crafternoons;
• Beading Circle on Friday mornings;
• Crochet Club on Friday afternoons;
• Movie Saturdays.

Download our Monthly Program Calendar to see all that we offer each month!

Please note: some programs may require registration.

At West Central Women’s Resource Centre, we serve ALL women and gender diverse people.

Women and gender diverse people who access our Centre may have many different abilities, bodies, experiences and beliefs. So long as you identify as a woman or gender-diverse person, you are welcome in our Centre.

We recognize that we all carry conscious and unconscious biases that affect our behaviour. Staff at WCWRC continually challenge themselves to move to a place of being more understanding of the diversity of women and gender-diverse people’s lives, bodies, beliefs and experiences.

Our DROP-IN is a space for ALL women and gender diverse people.

Men visiting the Centre

• Follow directions given by WCWRC staff and mentors at the door
• Wait in the vestibule by the door, not come into the Drop-in, if you are here for an appointment

Men are welcome in the Centre when

• Making deliveries (mail, packages, etc.)
• Making service calls/Centre repairs
• Meeting directly with WCWRC staff
• Attending community celebrations or workshops open to all community members
• 16 years-of-age or under with a parent/guardian

Men waiting for Partners & Family

Please wait outside the Centre or visit one of the following spaces nearby:

West End Resource Centre (formerly DMSMCA Resource Centre)
823 Ellice Avenue @ Arlington Street
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Thursday: 1 PM – 4 PM