It's only a move across the road but it should give Clearwater and District Food Bank a more permanent home, organizers say.
The food bank officially opened its doors in its new location in the Clearwater Curiosity Shoppe thrift store building on Thursday morning, June 9.
Board chair Harry James, office manager Sherri Joubert and town councillor Gord Heisterman did the honors by cutting the ribbon.
The food bank's hours at its new location will be 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursdays.
It gives out about 70 to 80 hampers per month, serving about 125 people.
The number of families dependent on the food bank for enough to eat is going down, but their places are being taken up by individuals, especially seniors.
People are allowed one hamper per month, although they are also allowed one emergency hamper ever six months.
A drive for the food bank underway last weekend was expected to bring in several thousand dollars worth of food and cash donations.
Support from local individuals, organizations and businesses has been good, organizers report. At least two local families give $1,000 per year but wish to remain anonymous.
In addition to the local contributions, the food bank also receives about one pallet of food per month from Food Banks Canada.
A number of gardeners in Clearwater and area are involved in the Grow a Row program, setting aside some of their fresh produce for the food bank.
At the end of the season those involved will be eligible to win a $50 gift card donated by Home Hardware.
Different food banks are organized according to local needs.
For example, in 100 Mile House the food bank is only open one day a month.
In Kamloops, on the other hand, the food bank is open several days a week, with individuals coming in on Tuesdays, and families and seniors coming in on other days.
The Kamloops food bank has two drivers who collect fresh produce seven days a week. That means they are able to include more fruits and vegetables in their hampers.
Hampers in Kamloops are smaller than in Clearwater as they are intended to last only one week rather than one month.