The Centre Wellington Food Bank (CWFB) has purchased two units at the Fergus Marketplace for $480,000 from Damside Developments, which owns the marketplace building.
Food bank officials say mortgage payments will be less than the $40,000 the food bank had been paying in annual rent.
“The time was right,” said CWFB chair Jackie Andrews. “This purchase (on Sept. 18) allows us to reduce our operating costs and allocate resources where they are needed the most.
“There has been some form of emergency food support in Centre Wellington for about 25 years now, and the need is only growing. We’re not going anywhere.”
The food bank will continue operations in the Fergus Marketplace on Queen Street West, where the organization has rented space since 2009.
But ownership of the original site, as well as the adjoining unit, allows the food bank to be a one-stop location for clients.
“Having everything under one roof will enable us to operate more efficiently, expand programs and continue to meet the rising demand for emergency food in Centre Wellington,” said Andrews.
She explained the CWFB has been in four different locations over the past 15 years, causing disruption of services and some confusion for those who rely on them.
The move comes as the food bank and its 100 volunteers, led by CWFB manager Fred Aleksandrowicz, are seeing an increased need in the community.
Andrews confirmed that since the beginning of 2012, the food bank has served 909 individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities, which translates to 402 families with 507 children under the age of 18.
“This year we have seen 128 new clients so far, a higher number than in any previous year,” said Andrews. She added the demand for food has more than doubled since the recession of 2008.
Andrews explained the board of directors began setting aside funds for a capital program a decade ago.
“The food bank got permission from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) about 10 years ago to set aside money for a capital reserve fund,” said Andrews.
She added, “Our new arrangement will relieve our long-term operating costs and provide a permanent home for years to come.
“The support of our community and various other food banks and both the Canadian and the Ontario Food Bank Association have greatly helped us fulfill this vision.”
The food bank plans to launch a capital fundraising initiative early next year, with the goal of completely retiring the organization’s debt and further reducing operating costs.
“We spent a long time looking at various alternatives, including other properties in downtown Fergus and elsewhere in Centre Wellington, but the advantages of our current location were hard to beat,” said Andrews, pointing to the central downtown location and its accessibility from the community bus service stop and area parking facilities.
To learn more about the local food bank call 519-787-1401 or visit www.centrewellingtonfoodbank.org.
