Sources, Langley’s newest food bank, is planning to set up a satellite distribution outlet in Aldergrove.
Denise Darrell, Sources director of women, seniors and community services, said the non-profit is looking for depot space to bring food from the Langley City food bank to people in Aldergrove.
“It’ll just be pre-boxed hampers,” Darrell told The Times on Wednesday.
Since the news of Sources’ arrival was reported last month, the food bank has been flooded with phone calls, “especially from Aldergrove,” said Bruce Strom, the Sources food bank Langley operations manager.
The number of volunteers, clients and donors has increased, enough that Darrell expects the food bank will move to twice-a-week distribution by the fall.
Sources currently distributes food once a week, on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from the United Church of Langley at 5673 200 St.
Darrell said the church was “fantastic,” providing Sources with free space during the first nine months.
During that time, the food bank expanded from a boardroom into a larger multipurpose space in the church basement and now pays a lease.
It is looking for a larger space somewhere in Langley City, one with more storage room.
Sources is also hoping to find donors to help obtain needed items like a refrigerated van and a commercial weigh scale.
On Wednesday, Darrell was heading to the Langley Central Rotary Club to accept a $4,100 cheque.
It is much-needed money that will help, but more is needed, she said.
On a more immediate note, Strom said the outlet also needs to replenish its canned beans, fish and meat.
“My stocks of protein are very low,” Strom said.
Because the Sources Langley food bank has only just opened, it doesn’t have a stock of Christmas-season supplies to draw on.
The non-profit group has operated a food bank serving South Surrey/White Rock for over 30 years.
Sources moved into Langley in September at the invitation of the Food Banks BC association after the established Langley Food Bank quit the association rather than follow ethical guidelines concerning the treatment of clients.
Anyone who can help the rapidly-growing Sources food bank find new space in Langley City and Aldergrove is asked to contact ddarrell@sourcesbc.ca or phone 604-541-4820.
Sources also needs drivers to make pickups of donated food. If you can help, you’re asked to phone 604-542-4357.
And if you would like to make a donation, including financial support, contact jmurray@sourcesbc.ca or phone 604-541-4833.