Ottawa invests in Nanaimo food recovery distribution warehouse

The federal government is investing $5 million in a Vancouver Island food recovery organization to help address food insecurity and strengthen regional food supply chains.

The funding, announced by Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, will support Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank in building a centralized food recovery and distribution warehouse in Nanaimo.

Loaves and Fishes collects surplus food from grocers and wholesalers and redistributes it to schools, households and community organizations in more than 40 communities across Vancouver Island and the B.C. coast, including Victoria and Haida Gwaii.

The new 24,000-square-foot facility will expand storage capacity and add modern loading bays, allowing the organization to accept larger donations and increase shipments to remote communities with limited access to fresh food.

“Vancouver Island is home to dedicated leaders and organizations working hard to ensure families have access to healthy, reliable food. By supporting community resources like Loaves and Fishes, PacifiCan is helping ease everyday pressures for British Columbians and strengthening the resilience of communities across the region. This investment makes life more affordable today while building a stronger foundation for the future,” said Robertson, who is also responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

The federal government said the project aims to reduce food waste and improve year-round food availability in a region facing rising food costs.

“By improving year-round access to nutritious food and reducing waste, Loaves and Fishes is strengthening food security in communities across Vancouver Island. PacifiCan’s investment will not only support local businesses and supply chains, it will give families in need the chance to get ahead,” said Stephanie McLean, secretary of state for seniors and member of Parliament for Esquimalt, Saanich and Sooke.

Loaves and Fishes said the new facility will help expand its network of food donors and improve distribution to underserved areas.

“PacifiCan’s investment enables Loaves and Fishes to scale what we do best: recover food that would otherwise be wasted and deliver it efficiently to the communities that need it most,” said Peter Sinclair, executive director of Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. “This new facility will significantly strengthen food security across Vancouver Island and coastal B.C., particularly for remote and underserved communities.”