Montague food bank outgrows its space

Demand for the food bank in eastern P.E.I. has grown to the extent that it needs to find a new location.

The Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank has operated out of a room in the basement of the Church of Christ in Montague for years, but with demand for food growing, volunteer Lawrence Power told CBC News Friday they've outgrown the space.

The space was never ideal. He said it's difficult for clients and volunteers to get down the steep flight of stairs.

"We're talking carrying 3,000 pounds (1,350 kg) of potatoes down here for Christmas, 250 turkeys," Lawrence said.

"It's a lot of work on us old people. And we don't have the space once we get it in here."

Liberal MLA Charlie McGeoghegan has been talking with government officials about finding a provincially owned building to house the food bank.  

"There's one that used to be the old medical centre. The manor is another one that is a possibility," said McGeoghegan.

"We're just trying to find out what we can make work the best and be the best for the people, too."

Opposition MLA Jim Bagnall has also been lobbying for a new space for the food bank. Bagnall said if a new location is found the province should go further.

"What we've asked for them is for government to subsidize the cost of heating and lighting for them," he said.

"They do it in Charlottetown. If they're doing it in Charlottetown, why can't they do it in Montague?"

There is no time frame set yet for moving the food bank, but everyone involved in the search hopes it happens before next Christmas.