In an effort to meet rising demand with more Prince Edward County residents experiencing food insecurity, Wellington & District Storehouse Food Bank is looking at expanding to a new larger building.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, president of the food bank, Cynthia Riordon, spoke to council about their plans to expand.
The expansion was prompted by challenges the organization faces at their current location in the basement of Wellington Pentecostal Church. The site is inaccessible to people with disabilities, and is cramped, without efficient places to store the volume of food they distribute. Food is often being stored in additional off-site locations due to the lack of space.
Riordon said that one in four households in Prince Edward County is using food banks, representing approximately 5,700 residents.
The food bank is looking at a property on Nile Street to build their new building on and are in discussions with the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation regarding the location.
After the deputation, Councillor Bill Roberts said that he is proud of the community for stepping up to help people who need it.
“In Canada, since 2019, food banks have seen a 90% increase in need in their various communities,” said Councillor Roberts. “But what I think is so special about this community, Prince Edward County, is we’re going to do something about it.”
Council accepted the deputation, but took no action at this time.
