From September 29 to October 13, the Food Recovery Depot will be temporarily closed to begin a long-anticipated commercial kitchen renovation.

This project revitalizes the former Kimberley Hospital kitchen as a creative, community-serving space, made possible through a valued partnership with the Kimberley Health Centre.

The renovation will significantly expand our ability to produce meals, host learning opportunities, and foster community gatherings. Currently, our Meal Program provides 1,200 servings per month to community members facing hardship, but demand continues to exceed supply. This upgrade will help us meet growing needs more effectively.

In preparation for the closure, agencies that regularly receive food will be stocked up in advance and directed to alternate food access through our partners.

The Community Fridge will also be closed during this time and will reopen on October 14.

A heartfelt thank-you to Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank, Cranbrook Food Recovery, and Cranbrook Food Bank for stepping up to help ensure food continues to reach those who need it most.

“This new kitchen will greatly enhance our capacity to process, preserve, and prepare recovered food, enabling us to better serve local organizations and individuals facing food insecurity,” said Depot Manager Shannon Duncan. “We can’t wait to share this resource with the community!”

Looking ahead, the upgraded kitchen will also allow us to offer ready-made, healthy meals for sale, helping support food security while easing time scarcity for busy households.

We are deeply grateful for funding support from United Way BC’s Critical Food Infrastructure Fund and School Food Infrastructure Fund, as well as Columbia Basin Trust.

Fundraising for this project continues, as project costs have increased through the planning process.

Learn more and donate at: www.healthykimberley.com.

Currently, Healthy Kimberley Food Recovery recovers an average of 10,000 lbs of food per month, supporting over 25 local agencies on a regular basis. This kitchen expansion marks a major step forward in building a stronger, more sustainable response to food insecurity in our community.

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Lead image: Stephanie Pegler and Jill Sayegh working in the Food Recovery Depot. Nicole LeClair Photography photos

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