Food Bank takes possession of new home

Renovations throughout the whole building will take place over the next six months.

That includes building a warehouse, industrial cooler, freezer, kitchen area, and welcoming front space.

Symmonds says the food bank had this dream of a community food and wellness hub for many years. The money that’s going to buy this location has been fundraised specifically for this project.

She adds the idea for the new space is for the whole community, not just people living in poverty.

“As you look into the fire hall you’ll see all of the big windows, we’ll see a cafe here where people can sit and have a coffee together. We’ll have industrial teaching kitchens as well as four small teaching kitchens so that we can teach folks how to cook. A garden in the back and then of course a small food bank that would look more like a grocery store to the average person.”

In the meantime, the current food bank location on South Railway will continue operations.

And they’re looking at May of next year for a move-in date.

“It will be a quick timeline,” Symmonds said. “But we’re really excited to welcome the public into this place. I think especially since COVID we’ve all come to appreciate community a little bit more and I hope that this will be a place people will find community.”

The food bank purchased the fire station for $1.3 million, and in turn, the city will buy the current food bank property on South Railway for $500,000. The food bank will pay the difference of $800,000 to the city.

Symmonds adds they are looking for donations and sponsorships from people who would like to name different parts of the building or be part of the construction plan.

by Chantal Wagner

Food Bank takes possession of new home

Our Community