Columbia Basin Trust invests in food programs in East Kootenay

Residents across the region may now have better access to fresh, nutrient-rich meals after new funding from the Columbia Basin Trust.

More than $300,000 has been distributed through eight projects supporting food recovery and distribution work from Cranbrook to Revelstoke.

The Health Kimberley Food Recovery Depot has received $31,400 for infrastructure upgrades, such as a new freeze dryer and inventory software, to improve workflow safety for both volunteers and customers.

“The addition of a freeze dryer […] means we can turn good food that might otherwise go to waste into nutritious, shelf-stable products—from healthy kids’ snacks to emergency supplies,” said Shannon Grey Duncan, food recovery depot manager.

“This funding will help us work more efficiently and contribute to a stronger, more resilient network of food supports here in Kimberley.”

Cranbrook-based Community Connections Society of Southeast BC will be using its grant to purchase a food dehydrator and a floor scale.

The Sand Creek Community Club in Jaffray and the Yaq̓ it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation are each securing kitchen equipment and food processors, respectively.

“Communities across the Basin are working hard to make sure fresh, nutritious food reaches the people who need it,” said Justine Cohen, senior manager of special initiatives for Columbia Basin Trust. 

“With better equipment and safer storage, organizations can save more good food from going to waste and get it onto the tables of local residents more quickly and reliably.”