Burnaby, BC – March 9, 2021 – With 60% of its client base living in Vancouver, the need for a large, safe space in which to distribute food 5 days a week is a critical one for the GVFB. “Since October of 2020 we have been fortunate to occupy a 10,000 sq ft warehouse donated to us by LowTide Properties,” says David Long, CEO. “They have plans for the building as of June, so we need to appeal to the public and see if someone has a large space they could gift to us for a year or two.”

5,000 – 10,000 sq ft of warehouse space is what the GVFB needs, with a loading dock or loading bay. This amount of space allows for a double line of food distribution to provide fast and efficient food access to the 300 – 450 clients who come through their doors each day. It also allows for the physical distancing requirements they need to maintain during the pandemic. The location needs to have good transit access, as many GVFB clients travel to and from their food distribution sites on transit.

“The City of Vancouver, to date, has been unable to help us find a location, so we have to take matters into our own hands as the need is imminent. The summer will be here before we know it,” says Long.

The GVFB already leases two properties and does not want to spend any more funds on a third lease. Their current leased locations are the main office, warehouse and food distribution site in Burnaby, and a property on Thornton St. in Vancouver which will serve as a daily pick-up location for the almost 100 community agencies they support each week. The needed renovations on this building continue to be delayed while the GVFB waits for Development and Building Permits.

If you can help, please contact Jodie Ou, GVFB Communications Officer @ 778-387-2666 or jodieo@foodbank.bc.ca.