A food recovery program in Port Coquitlam forced to find another home is now moving into its new digs.
The People’s Pantry, which had to vacate its space at the Elks Hall in Leigh Square due to the property redevelopment, hopes to be re-open by March 10 at 2909 Hope St. — the former Legion Manor.
Port Coquitlam Coun. Glenn Pollock, a founder of the four-year-old nonprofit, told the Tri-City News that entrepreneur Fred Soofi recently bought the building from the legion housing society.
And The People’s Pantry will rent a space on the ground floor of the facility.
“It’s a smaller space, but it’s got heat, light and running water,” Pollock said, noting the lease was inked Monday, Feb. 26, and the keys collected this morning, Feb. 28.
Pollock said Phoenix Truck and Crane loaned a five-tonne flatbed truck for the move while the Port Coquitlam firefighters provided the muscle.
“It’s great. I’m so relieved we have a home,” Pollock said.
The People’s Pantry feeds about 300 Tri-City residents a week, half of them children.
The food is picked up by some 50 volunteers at Tri-City grocery stores, such as Costco, Save-On-Foods and the Real Canadian Superstore, while the hampers are collected in-person by the families in need.
The last hampers in Port Coquitlam were distributed from Elks Hall on Feb. 20.
Last year, The People’s Pantry handed out 65,000 kgs of recovered food to seniors, single parents and at-risk youth; there is a wait list.
On social media, The People’s Pantry thanked its supporters for helping to find a new location.
“Your herculean efforts made it possible for us to continue serving our community,” executive director Alice Hale wrote. “We’re beyond thrilled and deeply grateful for the incredible support.”
For more details about the organization, to donate or volunteer, you can send an email to [email protected].
