The Central Okanagan Food Bank re-opened at its new location on Enterprise Way Wednesday afternoon.
The Food Bank had outgrown its previous location on Ellis Street, to the point where they had to use other warehouses for storage.
“We had reached a point where we just had to move,” says Food Bank Director Lenetta Parry.
The new 19,000 square foot facility features ample storage space, as well as a grocery store style approach, featuring aisles and reach-in coolers.
“We saw this space and we thought: ‘we should do it market-style,’ and let’s make it a grocery store experience,” says Parry. “Clients are able to come in, grab a grocery cart, and take the food that they want and need.”
Parry notes that none of this would have been possible without the community’s support.
“I can attest, having talked to our clients, that they’re really appreciative and grateful. It’s nice to know that people care about them in their time of need.”
Wednesday's re-opening celebration featured speeches by Mayor Colin Basran, as well as several executives of the Food Bank.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank serves 4,000 clients a month. 33% of those are under the age of 15, while 12% are seniors.