By Vanessa Ybarra

Kamloops Food Bank one of many getting a ‘fresh’ boost from province

Mar 26, 2017 | 3:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — Food is about to get fresher at B.C food banks.

Earlier this week the province announced it’s investing $24-million to expand low-income families access to fresh food, dental and hearing, and other services.

$10 million of the funding will go directly towards the province’s 100 food banks to receive, store, and distribute fresh and healthy food to those in need.

As it stands, Kamloops Food Bank already has its own fresh food-recovery program where staff pick-up produce and other goods at various grocery stores and businesses and distribute them to social agencies in the city.

While the recovery program is touted as one of the best in Western Canada, Executive Director Bernadette Siracky says the province’s investment will go a long way in further improving services.

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“Unfortunately we still have 7,000 people in our community that require our services,” said Siracky. “We also serve 45 agencies in town that make meals. So there really is a need in our community. The funding is a great opportunity. Provincially anytime we get an announcement that will help meet the basic needs of people living at or below the poverty line, it’s something that’s absolutely appreciated. “

Siracky says it isn’t known at this time how much money the Kamloops Food Bank will receive from the province.

With food supply generally lower in the spring, Siracky says the organization is always welcoming food or monetary donations.