Salvation Army opens foodbank in Vic West
The Salvation Army is expanding its community services, including a foodbank for residents living in Vic West and Esquimalt.
The new facilities will be operated at its Highpoint Community Church location at the corner of Fullerton and Raynor avenues in the Vic West area.
The Salvation Army hopes the new facility will bridge the gap for foodbank services in the region.
"Having this program space available is going to be a game changer for residents in Vic West and Esquimalt," said Salvation Army community ministries director Patrick Humble.
"Families are struggling and new families [and] all demographics are looking for help from the foodbank, especially since COVID," he said.
"It's a growing need, so the foodbank’s been able to support and help families in that way," he added.
In addition to the foodbank, the Salvation Army has partnered with Backpack Buddies to provide a bag of groceries for every child in a registered foodbank program family every Friday.
"It helps get the family through when the children are home a little more and not in school," said Humble.
The Salvation Army has also opened new space for programs and services in a former home on the church property. It plans to start its community outreach programs by offering a coffee drop-in meeting on Tuesday afternoons between from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
"We’re going to be learning from the community what’s needed,” said Humble. "We will then grow our program base as we move along."
Humble says the Salvation Army has been operating a foodbank on a small scale for the past three years. He says the agency saw the need to increase its foodbank capacity due to an increase in demand from people in the community.
"We know that the need is great for people living in this community and this has been a good resource," said Humble.
"People are excited to know it is finally here because there’s not many services in Vic West."
The foodbank at the Salvation Army Highpoint Community Church, located at 949 Fullerton Ave., is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.