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CBC News
Once again, the Current River Churches Food Cupboard in Thunder Bay, Ont., is on the move.
The food bank was forced to relocate from Refreshing Waters Church at the end of August due to a rent increase at the building on Hodder Avenue.
It initially secured a new space inside the former Epiphany Lutheran Church at the corner of Dewe Avenue and Arundel Street. However, during the transition, the service learned it could not operate its refrigerators and freezers there.
"We need those because we supply milk and eggs and fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and of course meat on an ongoing basis," said the food cupboard's co-ordinator, June Gaw.
So, the team of volunteers was sent back to the drawing board to find an alternative location.
"It's very large and it's certainly going to accommodate all of our needs. We are in the process of putting all our shelf units up right now and trucks are moving our supplies, all our food and everything from the other location to this one," Gaw told CBC News on Wednesday.
Now, they're setting up shop at the Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) warehouse at 168 Munro St.
The new space also has two overhead doors, which means that when the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) truck comes to drop off food, "they'll be able to back right in."
3rd time's the charm? Thunder Bay, Ont., food bank in Current River area relocates again
New space secured at end of August did not allow refrigerators, freezers
While it's been a long few weeks of scrambling, Gaw said she's grateful for everyone's support during the period of uncertainty.
"We have four men helping us and all the rest are women," she said with a laugh. "I have to give kudos to these women because they worked exceptionally hard hauling these boxes, loading up the trucks at one end and helping at this end."
The food cupboard is open every second Saturday. Its first distribution day at its new space is this Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Come October, it will switch to its winter hours, 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Between 90 and 110 people depend on the service, said Gaw. Volunteers always accept donations of fresh and non-perishable food, as well as household items, hygiene supplies and clothing.
"We're going into a colder season now and sometimes people just can't afford to buy a winter jacket or boots, even heavy socks, things like that," Gaw said. "We put that out and they're able to shop and take what they need from that — usually about four or five items they can take themselves — and supply what their needs are."
Meanwhile, the RFDA is already gearing up for Thanksgiving in October, and is seeking 60 turkey donations by Sept. 28, which will be dispersed through its member agencies' feeding programs. Those who wish to help out are asked to contact the RFDA at 807-622-7440.