Fredericton area food banks launch campaign to build Ormocto food depot

A new campaign launched in Fredericton Monday aims at raising enough money to put a food depot in Ormocto.

District three food banks launched the “Raise the Roof” capital campaign with the goal of raising $400,000 throughout the week.

Steve Burns and Brian Jones, two passionate philanthropists, will be camping out on top of the campaign truck today until Saturday, to raise funds and awareness.

READ MORE: NB food banks lacking healthy options for users: study

The food depot would provide food bank clients from Woodstock to McAdam with access to healthier food.

Dewayne Hamilton, who has been relying on the food bank for almost 15 years, says it would be great to be able to pick up fresh food.

“Being able to buy even just the basics can be problematic at times because of the prices. This effort here would go a long way towards making it easier for me to get the vegetables and fruits that I’m looking for,” Hamilton said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Being able to buy even just the basics can be problematic at times because of the prices. This effort here would go a long way towards making it easier for me to get the vegetables and fruits that I'm looking for," Hamilton said.

Oromocto Food Bank Executive Director Jane Buckley says the warehouse would be a real benefit for clients.

“It provides nutrition for our clients and our children, and at this point most food banks deal in non-perishables and it’s time now to take it up a notch, and to do something about the health of people in the province,” said Buckley.

Nearly 19,000 people regularly use food banks in the region, 30 per cent of those people are in district three.

The warehouse will assist with food storage and allow grocery stores to be able to donate items that they can no longer sell — including fresh produce.

Some funding comes from provincial grants, as well as the Town of Oromonto, but Mayor Bob Powell says he wishes there was more support.

“I think it would be great if the Feds and the province would match what the community puts into it.  That would be fantastic,” said Powell.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think it would be great if the Feds and the province would match what the community puts into it.  That would be fantastic," said Powell.

Organizers say they are looking for donations to fill the campaign truck with food and cash donations throughout the week.

The truck will be parked at various locations throughout the region between now and Saturday.  The grand finale will take place at the Boyce Farmers Market, in Fredericton.