MP Barron has been calling on the federal government to provide immediate funding to support the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse project.

Loaves and Fishes has been seeking federal funding to build a 25,000-square-foot centralized food recovery and distribution facility, which New Democrats have been calling on the Liberal government to fund (read their letter to Minister Fraser HERE). The organization has already received funding from the City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo, and the Province of BC to support this project, yet the federal government has been holding out.

"No one should have to make hard choices when it comes to putting food on the table for their families," said MP Barron. "Loaves and Fishes has been doing an incredible job to help so many in our communities who are facing food insecurity."

The need to support the Loaves and Fishes warehouse project is greater than ever. Currently over 15,000 people in more than 44 communities, including 15 Indigenous communities across Vancouver Island are accessing the food the organization provides free of charge. In the first six months of 2023 alone, visits to Loaves and Fishes free food markets increased by 44%, and in 2024 the visits continued to escalate. This growing need has Loaves and Fishes outgrowing their current facility.

"It's because of the incredible leadership and volunteers at Loaves and Fishes that they have been able to support so many Vancouver Islanders," said MP Barron. "Now it's the government's turn to provide some support."

Do you agree the federal government should support funding for the Loaves and Fishes warehouse project? MP Barron is asking you to help apply pressure to fund this project. Sign her petition below: