The Salvation Army food bank in Vernon is expanding, fundraising campaign launched

“The reality is, today the food bank serves between 50 and 75 families every day and, this year alone, 900 new families have turned to the food bank, and that need continues to grow.”

That demand translated to one in 13 children in Vernon were supported by the food bank, and one in 23 people in Vernon were able to get food through the local operations.

To meet that growing demand, the food bank will be expanded to have more room to accept large donations, store food items, and sort through them to be handed out to those in need.

It will also be equipped with a large walk-in freezer that could store up to 32 pallets worth of frozen foods, as well as produce and dairy coolers.

Food distribution, which is the Salvation Army’s largest local operation, will also be moved to the building on 24th Street, with a significant change to how people get their food.

“One of the core values of the Salvation Army is dignity, and we recognize that walking into a food bank and receiving a box of food doesn’t necessarily foster that value,” Lieutenant Neil Thompson of the Vernon Salvation Army stated.

“Without the constraints of space and resources, we are able to adjust our delivery model and the new food bank will be set up like a market. Families will be able to choose groceries that their family would like and use.”

Thompson said this market-style was being tested in a small-scale pilot, and early findings showed it was being well received.

He added though the building that will house the food distribution operations is outside the downtown core, he was confident it could still be easily accessed as its close to transit routes, and it is close to other shopping locations that are accessed by people who receive support from the food bank.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store will be moving to the Town Centre Plaza. Renovations for the store were underway, and the food bank expansion work was scheduled to begin in the fall and be completed in early 2025.

In addition to expanding the food bank, the Vernon Salvation Army launched its 30 Days of Giving campaign Thursday, Sept. 5.

The costs to renovate the Salvation Army building on 24th Street was estimated at $650,000, and the community was asked to provide some financial support for the organization that helps those in need.

“We do have a very generous, anonymous donor that is willing to match the first $200,000 donated to this project,” Kari Gares, a member of the Salvation Army Community Committee said.

The Vernon-based business Energy Economics also committed $20,000 over the next four years, with the first installment of $5,000 donated in support of the 30 Days of Giving campaign, and encouraged other businesses answer the call and support the food bank as well.

People can make donations to the Vernon Salvation Army online here.

by Liam Verster

The Salvation Army food bank in Vernon is expanding, fundraising campaign launched

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