The Central Okanagan Food Bank’s (COFB) West Kelowna facility moved to 3711 Elliot Rd. and began operations on Monday, July 19.
The COFB signed a temporary lease because the food bank began to outgrow its old location several years ago.
There had been discussions about securing this short-term lease while planning to rebuild on the existing Churchill Road site.
“It was important for us to find a temporary new home for the food bank in order to meet the challenges of our staff and volunteers, as well as [addressing] the growing need from community members requesting services,” explains Trevor Moss, CEO of the food bank.
“Since April of this year we have experienced an additional 23% increase in client usage, and we don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon.”
The new 2,500 square foot location features a drive-thru lot, walk-in freezer and cooler all located on the ground floor of the building.
The new location will not change or impact the food bank’s operations or days of distribution.
The operators of the West Kelowna food bank assure those facing food insecurity that they will not be without food and they will continue to have access to the services they need.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank helps over 4,500 individuals each month and explains that about 34% are youth and 20% are seniors living on fixed incomes.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit cofoodbank.com.
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