Montreal’s first and Canada’s second food bank, Sun Youth, has been helping address food insecurity in the region since 1981. The food bank has reopened in a new 40,000-square-foot facility to address the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.

The nonprofit’s food bank is located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, across from Jarry Park, and just a few blocks from its old location on Parc Avenue. The new, bigger space feels more like a large grocery store than a traditional food bank.

Staff members feel the extra space will make it easier for volunteers, employees, and clients to interact and will help the organization serve more people. While the full move is still in progress, Sun Youth leaders say they are excited about the larger space and its convenient location near public transit. The total cost of the building is estimated at $36 million, of which $10.7 million came from federal support and another $15.9 million was raised through a fundraising campaign.

Before the new facility opened, the nonprofit’s programs were spread across five different locations. But now, the new three-floor facility will consolidate all of the nonprofit’s services under one roof by summer. The second floor will feature a gym and fitness centre for sports programs, and the third floor will include a community kitchen, garden, and cafeteria. Staff say the goal is to turn the space into more of a community centre, where kids can play sports, families can take part in cooking programs, and new community activities can grow. An official opening celebration is planned for May.

Source: Gareth Madoc-Jones, CityNews