A pillar of the Quesnel community has found a new home, nearly two months to the day after a devastating fire destroyed its last location.
In a July 2 press release, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Northern BC announced Nourish Food Bank is now located at 138 McLean Street.
On May 5 of this year, the food bank's last facility at 101 Marsh Drive burned down.
Efforts from the CMHA as well as assist from community partners and emergency support from Food Banks BC helped secure the new building, which will "continue serving families, Elders, seniors, children, and individuals impacted by poverty, inflation, and the economic downturn following the closure of Quesnel’s pulp and paper mills."
Through a fundraiser, BC Food Banks was able to raise just over $4,000 for the food bank.
“Our new location gives us the capacity to accept and distribute more food, store perishables safely, and provide a welcoming space for people to receive food hampers,” said CMHA Northern BC executive director Elaine Laberge.
According to CHMA, the new facility will also restore food services for more than 700 residents and re-imagine how how food security is delivered with dignity, inclusion, and choice.
“This is about more than food—it’s about justice and belonging,” added Quesnel clinical program coordinator Stephanie Aaslie.
While dealing with the fire and looking for a new location over the last two months, the food bank experienced significant challenges, including space constraints and limits on food donations.
However, with the establishment operations will fully resume and continue its weekly services including fresh produce and grocery distribution, hot lunches three days a week, and program partnerships that support Quesnel’s residents.
