A building purchase supports access to healthy food for local residents

Egg nog, fresh greens, plant-based foods—every few weeks, the Sparwood Food Bank posted goods on offer via Facebook. But in early 2024, their post was not an offer to the community, it was an urgent request. “The Sparwood Food Bank is moving in March,” they wrote. “One catch…we don’t currently have a new home to move to.” They hoped someone would have a lead to help secure a new space, and the hunt began.

In December 2023, the Sparwood Food Bank learned they would need to vacate their rental space in just three months.

Finding suitable space under such tight timing was challenging in Sparwood’s limited commercial property market. “We explored every option,” said Tracey Brook-Baker, Sparwood Food Bank Treasurer. “Church basements, industrial spots—we were desperate for anything. We left no stone unturned.”

The food bank serves over a hundred people, including families and seniors. It also runs a food recovery program that has kept about 250,000 kilograms (550,000 pounds) of perishable foods out of the landfill since 2019. High-quality items go to food bank clients, seniors and local churches, while food past its prime is shared with local farmers for their livestock.

For clients like Candice, a mother of five, the food bank has been invaluable. “It’s meant so much to us to have a place to go for supplies,” she says. “The volunteers are always happy to help, and there’s never any judgement.”

Brook-Baker knew the food bank needed a stable, permanent location to continue operations effectively. After renting since 1993, they decided it was time to purchase their own building. “One building had been in the back of my mind,” said Brook-Baker, “and after a couple of emails with the owner, he agreed to sell.”

For a non-profit, buying property is often out of reach. However, with a $180,000 grant from Columbia Basin Trust, the Sparwood Food Bank was able to complete the purchase. The funding was critical for the property purchase and allowed for necessary renovations as well.

The food bank also worked closely with one of the Trust’s Community Liaisons. “She was truly on the journey with us,” said Brook-Baker. “The Community Liaison helped us through each step, making our property search and purchase a much smoother process.”

“There’s a bright future ahead for the Sparwood Food Bank, and this new building reflects the dedication and resilience of its team and volunteers,” said Will Nixon, Director, Delivery of Benefits & Special Initiatives, Columbia Basin Trust.

“Their commitment to securing a permanent space means they can now serve Sparwood residents even better, with more room to grow and meet local needs. Congratulations to the Sparwood Food Bank team on this incredible achievement—together with the community’s support, we’re making a difference, one meal at a time.”

According to Brook-Baker, the entire property purchase “happened at warp speed.” The food bank first viewed the new space in January, and less than six weeks later, they had the keys. This quick timeline not only gave the organization peace of mind, but also ensure that clients would have minimal disruption in accessing essential supplies.

When the food bank staff first walked into the building as owners, the feeling was “almost surreal,” said Brook-Baker. “It was ours; it was actually ours. We had worked so hard in that month and a half, it was all a bit of a blur.”

For clients, the new building is a welcome improvement. The previous space was about 55 square metres (600 square feet), and most operations took place outside, rain or shine.

“My first impression was WOW,” stated Candice, recalling her first visit to the new space. “Being able to grab groceries inside, not freezing while you’re looking around—it makes a big difference.”

With nearly three times the space, there’s now room for all their programs, and some clients have even said it looks ‘just like a supermarket.’ “It’s a relief to finally have space for everything—room for the food recovery program, an area to put hampers together. We even have an office and storage space,” said Brook-Baker.

Beyond providing space, owning the building gives stability to the food bank and the community it serves. “For months we knew we’d have to move,” said Brook-Baker. “But we also knew we would find a place, that it would all come together, and it has.”

Since moving in, the food bank has completed a long list of essential renovations, including a new boiler, updated windows and lighting, fire safety upgrades, and a new roof. One of the more meaningful changes made: they painted the back door red. The colour has always been a recognizable marker for the food bank, and as they added the final coat of red, they knew the doors would stay open—like always—every day except Christmas.

Sparwood Food Bank operations are made possible through the dedication of the staff and the invaluable contributions of volunteers, who collectively contribute about 80 volunteer hours each month, providing essential food support to approximately 50 families and 150 individuals monthly.

Lead image: The Sparwood Food Bank has purchased a new, permanent home in the community with support from the Trust and other funders. Columbia Basin Trust photos

Columbia Basin Trust

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