The Chase Hamper Society members got a boost, thanks to two substantial government grants they received through Food Banks BC which are allowing them to offer a wider range of food to their clients.
In March 2017 the provincial government announced $10 million in funding for Food Banks BC in order to help develop food recovery programs for food banks around the province. The recovery programs are focused on proper transportation and refrigeration of perishable food items.
The Hamper Society received a $15,000 grant in 2017 and a $92,516 grant this year.
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The 2017 grant purchased a commercial stainless steel sink, tables and shelving, as well as a commercial fridge and freezer, food recovery containers and dry storage bins. The 2018 grant purchased more commercial fridge and freezer space and a 2017 GMC refrigerated van. The grant also paid for electrical and plumbing work and other equipment for the food bank.
Both grants will be used to fund food recovery work which keeps people fed and keeps perfectly good food out of the compost heap. Hamper society volunteers have been redistributing a variety of fruits and vegetables from local community gardens as well as dairy and meat products from local stores; despite being deemed unsaleable, these items remain fit for consumption. Refrigeration equipment purchased by the hamper society makes this possible.
The Chase Hamper Society food bank is located in the basement of the Chase Community Hall.
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