The Upper Room Hospitality Ministry administers PEI Food Banks and represents PEI on the Food Banks Canada Network Council. It was established in 1984 with the inauguration of the Soup Kitchen, which initially provided hot meals to those in need in Charlottetown. Subsequently, two years later, the Food Bank was established to distribute monthly food hampers. Over the past 30 years, there has been a noticeable surge in demand for the services rendered by the Upper Room, reflecting the escalating financial hardship and food insecurity experienced by families and individuals. The organization is overseen by both paid staff and volunteers and is entirely reliant on donations of both food and funds. The Upper Room receives contributions of non-perishable food items, fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, and financial donations from numerous local farmers, businesses, churches, groups, and individuals.
This non-profit entity is governed by a Board of Directors comprising local community members. The board collaborates with the staff and volunteers to fundraise, organize food drives, and raise awareness regarding the organization’s mission and requirements. The Upper Room is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Food Banks and spearheads the distribution of food to other food banks and soup kitchens across the province through the PEI Food Banks network.
Food Bank’s Mission: We believe all people should be able to access healthy food. We believe in creating a non-judgemental and inviting atmosphere in which those who are in need can enjoy a warm meal or take-home grocery hampers to help round out their food needs.
Situated at 101 Richmond Street in Charlottetown, the Soup Kitchen serves as a warm and welcoming haven offering delectable hot meals throughout the year. All are welcome to relish these meals with no inquiries made, and the dedicated staff and volunteers ensure that all patrons are treated with dignity amidst a supportive and convivial ambiance. The Soup Kitchen is fortunate to receive generous contributions of fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat from local farmers, which enable the provision of nutritious meals. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, with doors opening at 11 am. Guests can partake in tea, coffee, and socializing while awaiting their meal. Supper is served Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, with doors opening at 4 pm for tea and coffee service.
In addition to meals, the Soup Kitchen administers the School Lunch Program for several schools in the Charlottetown area. This initiative involves preparing and delivering bagged lunches to schools for children in need.
According to the 2023 HungerCount report, in March 2023, 4,212 registered visits were made to the food banks in Prince Edward Island, with 1,420 of these visits made by children. There was a 26.9% change in total visits from 2022 to 2023 and a significant 42.36% change from 2019 to 2023. Notably, 130 food banks reported providing a cumulative total of 4,657 meals and snacks during this period.
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Contact P.E.I. Association of Food Banks:
33 Belmont St.
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7M8
T: (902) 892-7092 | F: (902) 628-2054
