The City of Delta is looking at providing additional support for Nick’s Nook.
The free North Delta food pantry initiative was launched last summer outside of Northside Community Church.
Born from a desire of neighbourhood group Magical Hearts to build community and resources for those facing food insecurity, a small pantry was created in partnership with United Way’s “Hi Neighbour” initiative.
A second colourful pantry opened earlier this year at North Delta's New Hope Church.
The pantries are to be no-barrier approaches to food insecurity where neighbours can take what they need and leave what they can.
The pantries are named after United Way Community Builder Cathie Watters’ grandson, Nick, who lost a battle with lung disease. He was a Sands Secondary student.
Residents, local businesses and community organizations also stepped up to help the Nick’s Nook Little Pantries.
Following a presentation on the initiative at Delta council on Monday, which included a request for sustainable funding, councillors agreed with a recommendation to have staff come back with a report on the city providing monthly funding up to $2,000 for one year for Nick’s Nook.
Lauding the initiative as an important grass roots movement, council then discussed the issue of food insecurity in North Delta, agreeing that staff should speed up the process of establishing a temporary food bank in the community.
Coun. Lois Jackson didn’t mince words when describing the situation many families face, saying senior governments should be doing much more to help those who are hungry, rather than leaving that role to local governments.
Jackson put forward a motion to send a letter to the federal and provincial governments conveying Delta’s concern.
Mayor George Harvie responded that a letter would sit on an official’s desk, only for Delta to eventually receive a usual response of acknowledgment of those concerns.
Council agreed the city should also invite Delta MP Carla Qualtrough and Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon to appear before council to discuss housing, poverty and food insecurity issues.
