Prince Rupert Salvation Army Set to Open New Community Kitchen with Huge Boost from PRPA

Prince Rupert Salvation Army Set to Open New Community Kitchen with Huge Boost from PRPA

February 6, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund has partnered with the Prince Rupert Salvation Army to transform its community kitchen, enabling the non-profit organization to relocate its Community Food Bank and centralize its many services and programs under one roof. The extensive redevelopment project cost more than $1.15 million, with PRPA’s Community Investment Fund providing $450,000 – nearly 40 percent of the expenses. The upgrades bring the kitchen space to commercial standards and ensures the Salvation Army has the infrastructure in place to better serve the growing needs of the community well into the future. 
 
Located in the Prince Rupert Salvation Army Family Services Centre, the updated kitchen space is designed to be larger and safer, with the capacity to feed a greater number of people. Upgrades include a new commercial grade kitchen, walk-in freezer and fridge, expanded dry food storage area, plus new kitchen equipment and supplies to expand soup kitchen services, food hampers and more.

“We are now equipped with new tools and the space necessary to offer a greater level of service through our Continuum-of-Care model,” said Lieutenant Dawn Butt, Prince Rupert Salvation Army. “We are grateful for the outstanding support and commitment from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, which allows our organization to open this new chapter in its history on the North Coast.” 
 
“The Salvation Army has played a vital role in Prince Rupert for over four decades, providing nutritious meals and food through its soup kitchen and food bank that serve the needs of the most vulnerable in our community,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “This project enables them to deliver those critical services more efficiently and continue to promote healthy living and development amongst individuals and families.” 
 
On Friday March 3^rd between 12pm and 1:30pm, PRPA and the Salvation Army are hosting a ‘Soup for the Soul’ event to celebrate the grand opening of the revitalized community kitchen. Community members are encouraged to show their support by donating to the cause and assist in filling the shelves of the overhauled space.