Sioux Lookout Food Bank’s  new building project breaks ground

Tim Brody - Editor

A major milestone for the Sioux Lookout Food Bank.
On July 28, food bank volunteers, members of the food bank’s board, pastors of supporting churches, and Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance gathered at the site of the Sioux Lookout Food Bank’s future home at 7 Carlbom Drive to officially break ground for the construction of a new building to house the food bank.
Pastor Carter Krahn, Building Committee Board Chair, shared, “Today is a testimony to the generosity of this community. 
“We’ve been blessed over the years as many volunteers served our community out of the basement of the old Homeless Shelter. That determination and steadfastness has led to this day. 
When we say thank you, we say thank you for all those who have served and contributed through the giving of food and giving financially for many years. 
We want to thank the many businesses and individuals who keep making this dream a reality. 
We want to say thank you to our current Director Amanda Landgraff, your determination is encouraging! 
We want to thank the current Board who meets regularly setting direction in oversight. 
We want to thank our current volunteers who faithfully give and serve in preparing hampers and for the delivery of those hampers to keep this much needed service alive in our community. 
We also want to say thank you to the clients of the Food Bank, thank you for trusting us, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and your homes.”
Krahn continued, “It was only a few years ago that the three churches, Cornerstone Fellowship, New Life Assembly, and Calvary Baptist Church were asked to direct and serve our community in this way. On behalf of these churches, I can say in unity, we are thankful for the opportunity to keep this vision and act of service alive. We thank the Lord for His great provision and grace. 
“Today marks a significant day, and we pray that God would grant continued vision, and safety for those who will be doing the hands on work on this project. We ask the Lord that His hand of provision and grace be upon this site, and may this be a place of peace, provision and safety. We pray to the Lord that He would grant us the steadfastness and longevity to not only see this project to completion, but may this place be a beacon of hope and life for this community as we serve and minister for His glory. 
“May the breaking of this ground signify a community unified, strengthened and encouraged!” 
Sioux Lookout Food Bank Manager Amanda Landgraff said, “Our vision as the Sioux Lookout Food Bank is to see everyone in Sioux Lookout having access to sufficient food. In the past three years we have grown in leaps and bounds, and changed our services to better serve the community. With the insight of our board and the willingness of our ever-growing team of wonderful volunteers, we have come alongside many in our community to offer much needed food support.
“Now with our need for a larger facility, it has been such a blessing to see the community come alongside us with our building project. So many individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations have given generously to bring us to today! Thank you!!”
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance stated, “As I look at the people gathered here today I think about the work that the Food Bank does.
“Largely with volunteers. So, I would like to acknowledge all the volunteers who make it possible. The numbers posted on the wall at the Food Bank tell the tale of the need - in 2024 over 1,100 deliveries to about 200 households, over 600 people, including at least 200 children. That is a lot of need. That is a lot of good work. By a lot of volunteers. Thank you.”
He continued, “The Board of Directors must also be acknowledged and thanked. As a member of Council and various Boards, I know the commitment it takes - that the work of governance is a serious matter. And occasionally there are rewards for that work - such as the feeling of accomplishment that I hope the Food Bank Board is having today. Thank you for your work and commitment.
“As well as reliance on volunteers and the Board, the Food Bank also relies on the generosity of the people of Sioux Lookout. Many local citizens make donations on a regular basis and support Food Bank special events. Thank you.
“Local businesses in the retail food sector also are incredibly generous. As well as saying thank you, let me also encourage people in Sioux Lookout to shop local. It is local businesses who support and donate to so many local charities and events. Thank you.
“And to the local churches, leadership and congregations, who I think have been at the heart of this operation - thank you so much.
“There is also the matter of management of the Food Bank. One person, working part-time, who is responsible for coordinating all those volunteers, organizing donations, organizing special events, applying for grants, managing outside donations of food from regional agencies, organizing maintenance of the facility and equipment, organizing handling of requests for food, coordinating with social service agencies, financial reporting, reporting to the Board, and more. So an accountant, nutritionist, HR Manager, handyman, fundraiser, and more all rolled in to one. Thank you Amanda.”
“Throughout history there have always been people who are less fortunate and people who are more fortunate. And for each of us there can be an ebb and flow to our good fortune and our poor fortune. Throughout history there has always been a need for generosity. A need to recognize that there but for good fortune go I. On behalf of the Municipality to all those involved in and supporting the Food Bank - thank you for your generosity of spirit, of time, of resources. And, congratulations on this groundbreaking step.”
Landgraff said the total budget for the new food bank building project is $990,000.
She explained, “We currently have $159,000 in the bank designated for the Building Project. We also have $171,000 in pledges for the building project, including a $40,000 pledge that came in recently… This brings us to $330,000 towards our project. If we are approved for the $500,000 NOHFC Grant that we’ve applied for (we should find out in September), that leaves us with $160,000 to raise. We are trusting God to provide and to guide us as the board makes decisions moving forward.”
The project includes excavation, compaction testing (required by building code), construction of the 3,000 square foot facility, equipment needed (shelving, carts, scale, floor mats, client/lobby seating etc.), security system, back-up generator to keep frozen & refrigerated foods safe during power outages, permits and insurance needed for construction, and paving (which was a stipulation of purchasing the land). 
Work to clear and compact the site began on July 28.
“We would like to let the ground settle over the winter, so our hope is that if funds are available in the spring, that we would start in the spring,” Landgraff said of when construction of the new food bank building might begin.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of the community, the organization was able to raise the $169,000 needed to purchase the property at 7 Carlbom Drive.
Anyone who would like to donate to the project can EMT [email protected]. Donors are asked to indicate “building fund” in the comments. Receipts will be given for all donations. 
Landgraff said people can also email [email protected] for a mailing address if they wish to send a cheque. 
Landgraff said the new 3000 square foot building will provide many benefits:
•    Increased client selection, as people will be able to go through the provided food and only take items they can use, as well as choose other items that are to their tastes and needs. This will allow for increased dignity for those who access the food bank. 
•    Increased storage capacity for both non-perishable and perishable foods, and improved organizational layout for receiving, sorting, packing, and distributing.
•    Improved work environment for our volunteers, boosting morale and productivity, while ensuring a fully accessible and safe environment with a secondary exit. The new facility will be all on one level and fully accessible.
Landgraff said if anyone would like to request free food support, “Please reach out on Messenger, or by phone or text to 807-738-6896.”