The grand opening of the Fort St James Christian Outreach Kitchen and Food Bank, located at St Patrick’s Church, took place September 14.
The new kitchen, which was a collective community effort, feeds those in need in the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays through a breakfast program and a lunch program, all volunteer-driven.
Food bank donations help feed people the rest of the time, when families or individuals just need a little extra.
Previously, the kitchen was a tiny, cramped space and the eating area was too small for the crowds, meaning people had to eat in shifts.
The new, bright kitchen was built through fundraising efforts in both Fort St. James and Vanderhoof and much of the carpentry and finishing work was done by Charlie Gill of North Man Construction, who donated countless hours to the project, said Gwen Andrews.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the kitchen or food bank or for food donations, can call Andrews at 250-567-6744.