The Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre has a new home for its services. 

The facility is now operating out of the Summerland Alliance Church, 14820 Victoria Rd. N. 

The food bank鈥檚 former location, at Summerland United Church on Henry Avenue, will be demolished as a multi-storey housing facility will be constructed at the site. The new location will house the food bank on its main floor. However, the project is not expected to be completed until some time in 2026.

John Bubb, treasurer of the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, said the present location has a little less space than the former food bank location.

However, the space has been configured to provide room for perishable and non-perishable food items. 

Janet Peake, president of the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, said the space was appreciated.

鈥淚t really was a godsend to have a space where people care about us,鈥� she said. 

The new location is on the same property as the Summerland Alliance Gardens, and food from the gardens will go to help the food bank. 

The food bank also operates a seasonal program called Seed to Feed, which provides fresh vegetables and fruit to the food bank and to the food sharing stand.

While this program is expensive, it provides a benefit to the community and especially to those who use the food bank.

In addition to the food bank and resource centre, WorkBC will share the facility鈥檚 offices on a part-time basis to provide a range of services to those in need.

Bubb and Peake say donations are needed continually to support the food bank. Each month, the food bank spends between $7,000 and $11,000 on food. 

While donations of food and donations of money are both appreciated, cash donations are especially useful as the food bank can leverage money for food purchases in a way individuals cannot, Peake said.

The need for donations is particularly high right now, as use of the food bank rises in November and December, especially around the festive season in December.

In addition, this year鈥檚 costs have been significant.

鈥淭he costs of modifying space at the Alliance Church, the ever-increasing cost of food, the reduction in donations due to inflation, and the increasing number of families in need, has created a perfect storm,鈥� Bubb said. 鈥淥ur operational cash reserves are at their lowest point we have seen in many years, while our expenses are increasing out of proportion.鈥�