Food Bank still looking for a home

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

"Temporary" Food Bank at Napi
C. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Food Bank, which is currently managed by the Napi Friendship Association at their facility, received another setback to proposed plans to move the operation into the old RCMP building on Main Street, which is owned by the Town.  Town Council once again discussed the issue at their September 26 meeting.  Napi had previously appeared before council asking that another facility be found, as the Food Bank was using up valuable space in their building.  Napi took on the chore of administering the Food Bank, not intending their building to be a permanent location for it, after Christian Outreach closed its doors last year.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Co-ordinator David Green spoke to council about the need for a more comprehensive facility than presently exists.  "Typically in this country food banks are more than just food banks," said Green.  He explained that food banks often also provided family management and budgeting counselling, education around related social issues, and internet services.  He said there were "much broader implications.  It's not just a matter of getting fed."

Mayor Ernie Olsen said "I wouldn't want to see it become a shelter."  Green indicated that was not part of the plan.

Councillor Sahra Nodge asked Green if FCSS would move to the new facility if it were approved.  "We haven't discussed that at the board level," said Green.

Green discussed a potential Federal government grant nearing its September 30 deadline that could help with necessary renovations.  "The grant covers everything," he said.  Mayor Olsen asked "Who would look after the facility?" Green explained the "FCSS would help develop an administration, and then the grant takes over."  He indicated Napi would still be willing to administrate the new facility, should it be approved.  "We want to get the grant in by deadline so we're in the door, then we can fine-tune it," said Green.  "If we don't take the risk and step up now we will end up with less than we have now."

Councilor Don Anderberg said "It would cost big money to renovate that building.  There are vacant buildings in town that could be accessed by lease agreement."  He also expressed concern about the potential costs to the town.  "Everyone uses the town's facilities, but no one wants to pay for it," he said.  "This could turn into a big ticket item for us."  He made it clear he was not specifically opposed to the Food Bank itself. "If it happens anywhere in town, it's better than not having it.  There's a need."  At one point he suggested Napi look into developing the extra land attached to their facility by building " a garage-like structure" that could serve as a storage space.  "That may be a more palatable solution."

Council agreed to write a letter supporting a community grant application on behalf of the Food Bank, towards developing some at present undefined property.