RFDA expansion construction in Thunder Bay - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)
The Regional Food Distribution Association headquarters in Thunder Bay is going to look very different soon.
The organization has announced that it has shovels in the ground for a new expansion.
The $6.9 million project will see a new 5,200-square-foot addition to their existing building.
“The volatile combination of rising food prices, housing costs, low incomes is driving up the number of visits to food banks and meal programs, and the need is increasing in our northern communities,” said RFDA Executive Director, Volker Kromm. “As the demand for food security is now greater than ever. Things are evolving very rapidly. This means our mission and vision must evolve as well.”
The RFDA supplies food to 37 community organizations and 47 First Nation communities in the region.
“Our new mission aims to eliminate poverty through training, skills development and employment, increasing the capacity and program offerings, and sharing our knowledge,” added Kromm. “We are expanding to meet the needs.”
The new space will include a dedicated hamper preparation area, a vegetable processing room, a wild game community teaching kitchen, program spaces for community meetings and a ceremonial room.
The organization is also bringing in new tech and tools for web learning.
There will also be an outdoor patio with a sacred fire area and regional art display spaces.
“This space will be communal where cultures can come together and learn healthy lifestyles through food nutrition workshops, gathering in a safe community space, reducing social isolation and increasing community belonging,” added Kromm. “The time is now. We cannot afford to allow food security to continue to rise we must do our part.”
To help build the new facility, the organization launched a capital campaign to raise $1.5 million.
Prior to the campaign, the organization received the following contributions:
- $500,000 – City of Thunder Bay
- $500,000 – Paterson Foundation
- $500,000 – The Shaw Family Foundation
- $225,000 – Newmont
- $200,000 – Tbaytel
“My grandfather believed in helping people help themselves, offering a leg up rather than a handout. His philosophy was rooted in empowerment, helping others to gain the tools and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Paterson Foundation President, Alexander M.S. Paterson. “This initiative aligns perfectly with my grandfather’s values and vision. The work of the RFDA touches on a fundamental truth. Food is more than nourishment It’s a tool for connection resilience and empowerment.”
The work on the project is already underway with the first bit of concrete already poured.
The work is being done by Tom Jones Corporation with design work from Cory Stechyshyn, and i4 Architecture.
The hope is that most of the major work will be done by the end of August.
