The Provincial Government is providing a $250,000 grant to the Cranbrook Food Bank to support food distribution and the construction of the new building.
The Province said the funding to the Cranbrook Food Bank, and several other organizations in B.C. come from the Community Gaming Grants program.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for people throughout B.C., and these organizations have been working tirelessly in their communities to ensure people have access to healthy food,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are here to support British Columbians through this critical time, and this capital project funding will help them reach more people and is another way we can work with our community partners as we get through this together.”
The Cranbrook Food Bank’s new building will share the facility with Cranbrook Food Recovery and Farm Kitchen.
“We are extremely grateful for this construction grant supporting our new facility designed for safe, efficient food recovery, storage and distribution to those who need it. Our clients and community will reap the benefits of two food security-focused organizations sharing one space, instead of the current three,” said Deanna Kemperman, co-ordinator of the Cranbrook Food Bank Society.
As part of the 2020-21 capital project grant, six community organizations received a combined total of $1.13-million to help deliver food security programs and expand distribution.
“This past year has shown us how much British Columbians rely on non-profit organizations for services and supports during tough times,” said Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits. “While we work on B.C.’s economic recovery, it is incredibly important we ensure these vital organizations are supported and some of our most vulnerable people are not left behind.”
The organizations receiving funding include:
- Potluck Café Society in Vancouver received more than $240,000 to renovate a kitchen in its new Downtown Eastside facility to provide meals to people in the community.
- Cranbrook Food Bank Society in Cranbrook received $250,000 for the construction of a new facility to support food distribution in the region. The building will be shared with two other local not-for-profits – Cranbrook Food Recovery and Farm Kitchen.
- Sunshine Coast Community Services Society in Sechelt received $250,000 for the construction of a commercial community kitchen to address the issue of food insecurity for people who live on the Sunshine Coast.
- Community First Foundation in North Vancouver, Vancouver Italian Cultural Centre Society and Burnaby Neighbourhood House are also receiving grants to support food security and distribution for people.