The Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank held a soft opening on Monday marking the first food bank to open in North Delta that will operate seven days a week.
Mayor George Harvie, councillors Jessie Dosanjh and Dylan Kruger, along with Delta School Board chair Val Windsor, and a host of dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the soft opening.
Located at 11188, 84th Ave. in North Delta, the Guru Nanak Food Bank is a non-profit charitable organization operating since July 2020 from its Surrey and Abbotsford locations. Previously, many North Delta residents who needed assistance from the food bank had to travel to Surrey, creating unnecessary barriers for those in need.
Earlier this year, Harvie made a motion for staff to work on establishing a food bank in North Delta to support residents and families in need.
Additionally, at the Dec. 5, council meeting, council unanimously voted to contribute $10,000 to the Food Bank to assist in helping get the facility up and running.
The Delta Firefighters IAFF Local 1763 Union also generously donated $10,000.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organizers of Guru Nanak and their many volunteers and donors, along with support from the City, the doors of the Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank are now open,” said Harvie. “This new inclusive facility will provide much-needed support for residents needing food assistance. I’m so grateful for the City’s close-knit relationships with community service partners, which helps us identify local gaps to serve our community better. As affordability challenges continue to impact many residents, Delta council is committed to barrier-free food assistance for anyone in need in our community.”
The Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank is open Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A dedicated day for seniors will also be established. For more information on the Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank or to make a donation, visit: https://gnfb.ca.
