The Dauphin Food Bank faces an unprecedented challenge that could force it to shut its doors permanently after serving the community for decades. With its current lease expiring at the end of August, the organization has yet to secure a new location despite months of searching, putting essential food services for hundreds of local families at risk.
“We’re approaching a critical deadline with nowhere to go,” explains Dale Ward, the food bank’s dedicated coordinator. “We’ve exhausted nearly every potential option in town that meets our specific requirements, and time is rapidly running out.”
The food bank’s needs are substantial but necessary for its operations. Any new facility must provide at least 2,000 square feet of space, feature ground-level access for deliveries and client convenience, and include adequate parking. These requirements have proven difficult to meet within Dauphin’s available commercial properties.
This crisis comes at a particularly troubling time as Canada’s food insecurity rates continue to climb nationwide. The Dauphin Food Bank currently serves approximately 350 families monthly, with demand steadily increasing amid rising grocery costs and economic pressures affecting the region.
Local resident and regular volunteer Sandra McTavish expressed concern about the potential impact. “Many families here live paycheck to paycheck. The food bank isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. I’ve seen firsthand how it helps seniors on fixed incomes and working families struggling to make ends meet.”
The organization has maintained its current location for over eight years, but the building’s owners have new plans for the space, necessitating the food bank’s relocation. The nonprofit operates entirely through community donations and volunteer efforts, making commercial rental rates increasingly challenging to sustain.
City officials have acknowledged the situation but note limited municipal options for housing such services. Councilor Deanna Kowalchuk stated, “We’re actively working with the food bank to explore alternatives, including potential partnerships with other community organizations or businesses with suitable unused space.”
Business community leaders are also being called upon to consider creative solutions, including potentially subsidized rental arrangements or donated space. “This represents an opportunity for local businesses to demonstrate meaningful community support,” noted Chamber of Commerce president Harold Bjornson.
The food bank’s board has launched an urgent appeal for community assistance, seeking either leads on suitable locations or financial contributions to help secure a new space. They’ve established a dedicated hotline (204-555-0178) for anyone with potential solutions or space offerings.
As this local news crisis unfolds, the question remains whether this vital community service can find a sustainable solution before time runs out. What would the absence of the Dauphin Food Bank mean for the community’s most vulnerable residents in an era of increasing food insecurity?
