Preliminary plans are underway for renovations at a local food bank to better serve clients in need in the community.
That’s according to Heather Cassie, executive director and founder of The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation (Foundation). She says they’re working on an overhaul of their building at 9 Hanes St. as portions of it remain inaccessible as it continues to deteriorate.
“We’re planning on starting a renovation hopefully in 2024 for accessibility on the main floor of our food bank,” says Cassie. “The hope is to encourage donors from the community to assist with the renovation, whether it be construction materials, labour or finances.”
The food bank operates Tuesday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Foundation received a $105,000 grant from iA Financial Group for the project. It received half in 2023 and the remainder this month. Funds will used to establish automatic doors and an accessible washroom.
Cassie says they would also like to move the exchange store downstairs, and storage upstairs and may add an elevator.
“That’s a bit up in the air but we’re working with Tulloch to help with the drawings,” says Cassie.
The foundation is also working with Lauren La Rose at Water Brooks Designs on a conceptual design.
“We’re in a 140-year-old dairy,” says Cassie. “Some of the locals remember this being a dairy, but the building is older. We’re trying to determine either to do the renovation or potentially tear down the building and start from the ground up.”
Cassie says the Foundation is working with the Town of Huntsville bylaw department for permits. They plan to speak to council at a later date for approval.