New Community Kitchen sets Salvation Army program up to meet community need after large contribution from Prince Rupert Port Authority

Lieutenant Dawn Butt of the Prince Rupert Salvation Army
in front of the newly renovated kitchen space

The Salvation Army Community Kitchen program is now under one roof, with meal program, Community Food Bank and other programs now in place. in one location.

An extensive redevelopment program which came to more than 1.15 million dollars saw upgrades to the kitchen space  to meet commercial standards and ensure that the Salvation Army has the infrastructure in place to meet the current demand and that of the future.

Close to forty percent of the cost of the  1.15 Million dollar renovation, $450,000 came from the Prince Rupert Port Authority's Community Investment Fund.

The update Kitchen facility is located in the Prince Rupert Salvation Army Family Services Centre on Grenville Court. 

The updated kitchen space is designed to be larger and safer, with the capacity to feed a greater number of people. Upgrades include a new commercial grade kitchen, walk-in freezer and fridge, expanded dry food storage area, plus new kitchen equipment and supplies to expand soup kitchen services, food hampers and more.

Dawn Butt, a Lieutenant with the Prince Rupert Salvation Army noted of the new chapter of the organizations history in the region thanks to its partnership with the PRPA.

"We are now equipped with new tools and the space necessary to offer a greater level of service through our Continuum-of-Care model. We are grateful for the outstanding support and commitment from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, which allows our organization to open this new chapter in its history on the North Coast."

Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority noted of the role that the Salvation Army continues to have in the community as it serves the growing need in Prince Rupert. 

 “The Salvation Army has played a vital role in Prince Rupert for over four decades, providing nutritious meals and food through its soup kitchen and food bank that serve the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. This project enables them to deliver those critical services more efficiently and continue to promote healthy living and development amongst individuals and families.”

The new facility will receive its Grand Opening on Friday, March 3rd when the Salvation Army hosts a "Soup for the Soul" event to celebrate the completed renovations.

Community members are encouraged to show their support to the organization by donating to the cause and helping to fill the shelves of the overhauled space.

You can learn more about today's announcement here.

A look at some of the past work of the PRPA Community Investment Fund can be reviewed here.