Workers pack boxes of donated food inside a warehouse as PacifiCan commits $5 million toward building a new food distribution centre on Vancouver Island. CNW Group
The federal government announced new funding to help improve access to food and reduce waste across British Columbia. The investment focuses on strengthening food supply systems and supporting families facing rising grocery costs.
Pacific Economic Development Canada, also known as PacifiCan, committed $5 million to expand food distribution services on Vancouver Island and along the B.C. coast.
Support for a local food leader
The funding will support Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, a Nanaimo-based organization that helps move donated food to people who need it most. The group currently serves more than 40 communities, stretching from Victoria to Haida Gwaii.
Loaves and Fishes collects surplus food from grocery stores and wholesalers, then delivers it to schools, families, and partner agencies. The program helps cut food waste while making sure communities receive steady food supplies throughout the year.
New warehouse planned in Nanaimo
With the new investment, Loaves and Fishes will build a centralized food recovery and distribution warehouse in Nanaimo. The planned facility will cover 24,000 square feet and include larger storage areas and updated loading bays.
These improvements will allow the organization to accept bigger food donations, work with more suppliers, and ship food more often. The new space will also improve access for remote communities where fresh food often proves harder to reach.
Leaders highlight community impact
Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and minister responsible for PacifiCan, said the investment supports strong local leadership across the region.
“Vancouver Island is home to dedicated leaders and organizations working hard to ensure families have access to healthy, reliable food. By supporting community resources like Loaves and Fishes, PacifiCan is helping ease everyday pressures for British Columbians and strengthening the resilience of communities across the region. This investment makes life more affordable today while building a stronger foundation for the future.”
Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt, Saanich, and Sooke, also praised the project.
“By improving year-round access to nutritious food and reducing waste, Loaves and Fishes is strengthening food security in communities across Vancouver Island. PacifiCan's investment will not only support local businesses and supply chains, it will give families in need the chance to get ahead.”
Expanding reach across the coast
Peter Sinclair, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes, said the new facility will help the organization grow its impact.
“PacifiCan's investment enables Loaves and Fishes to scale what we do best: recover food that would otherwise be wasted and deliver it efficiently to the communities that need it most. This new facility will significantly strengthen food security across Vancouver Island and coastal B.C., particularly for remote and underserved communities.”
