A local food assistance organization in Alberton, P.E.I., known as the West Prince Caring Cupboard, is making preparations to relocate to a nearby grocery store to align with the national standards set by Food Banks Canada. The new facility will be situated within Moe’s Your Independent Grocer in Alberton, where the store’s owner, Morris LeBlanc, is overseeing renovations on the second floor to accommodate the food bank.
Expressing his commitment to supporting the community, LeBlanc emphasized the significance of this move in addressing the prevalent issue of food insecurity. He shared a personal connection to the cause, recounting his own family’s past reliance on food banks during challenging times.
The decision to upgrade the location aligns with the updated national guidelines aimed at enhancing the operations and credibility of food banks, ensuring proper facilities with essential amenities like heating, electricity, water supply, and accessibility. The space, spanning around 5,000 square feet, had remained unused for nearly twenty years following the closure of a hardware store.
Taking responsibility for the renovation costs, LeBlanc underscored the historical significance of the building, dating back to 1978, and highlighted the positive impact of repurposing it for community benefit. The grocery store will feature a donation bin for customers to conveniently contribute non-perishable items for the food bank.
The initiative is also expected to reduce food wastage by redirecting items that would otherwise be discarded, thereby aiding in sustainability efforts. Recent statistics from Food Banks Canada’s poverty report card revealed concerning data for Prince Edward Island, including a D+ grade for overall food security, highlighting the prevalent issue of household food insecurity affecting over 23% of Islanders.
The partnership between the grocery store and the Caring Cupboard is pending finalization of an agreement, with plans to operate the food bank on a weekly basis. While the facility will not include a kitchen, it will be equipped with multiple refrigerators and a deep-freeze to cater to clients’ needs. Renovations are on track for completion in the near future, with the food bank anticipated to open its doors in early September.
