Food Bank looking to raise $250,000 for new building

Leadership with the Dryden Food Bank is launching a new $250,000 fundraising campaign as they look to purchase a new building and expand their operations.

Manager Al Huckabay says the purchase of the former Hoover Electric building at 158 Grand Trunk Avenue is expected to be finalized by May 1, which will be the first phase of the two-phase project.

“Over the last year, we have been able to access more food for our clients, but the ability to store and safely handle this surplus food has become a strain on our present building and infrastructure,” explains Huckabay.

He adds with the new property, the Food Bank will have more storage capacity, the ability to safely handle temperature-sensitive foods, and gain access to more food projects to distribute to those in the community.

Donations to the project can be made to the ‘Capital Campaign Phase 1’ fund at the Dryden Food Bank and taxable receipts will be issued. Cash or cheque donations can be made in person and e-transfers can be sent to [email protected], mentioning ‘Capital Campaign Fund’.

Phase two of the project will include a renovation or expansion of the Hoover Electric building. Costs and timelines for the project are still being determined, however.

The Dryden Food Bank is a registered Christian Humanitarian Charity whose mandate is to distribute surplus and donated food and essentials to individuals in the Dryden area affected by food insecurity.

The facility has been operating for over 30 years now.

Residents are encouraged to donate to the food bank, currently at 62 Queen Street, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.