Community steps up after fire at St. George food bank

A fire at Granite Court has left the St. George and Area Food Bank without most of its supplies, forcing the group into a temporary space.

Food bank president Tony Munn said the fire caused heavy water and smoke damage and destroyed nearly all of their dry goods.

He estimated the loss of food at $50,000 to $75,000, with total damage expected to exceed $100,000 once the cost of equipment is included.

“We were able to save some of the meat because we got a couple of freezers out quite quickly,” Munn said.

“But as far as all dry goods, it’s all gone.”

The food bank reopened on Monday morning from the lower level of the St. George Masonic Hall.

Munn said the Independent grocery store supplied enough food to serve clients on opening day, and donations from residents have been arriving steadily since.

Munn said the biggest challenge now is finding a permanent location.

The food bank serves 300 to 400 clients and also runs 17 to 18 programs, including cooking classes, gardening programs and tax‑filing support.

Those programs are on hold until a long‑term space is secured.

“Passing out food is only one part of what we do,” Munn said.

“The other programs are on hold until we can get a permanent location.”

An emergency food drive is planned for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. George Masonic Hall.

A live broadcast from 98.1 Charlotte FM will be part of the event, with hosts Mark Downey and Cory Morrow on site to accept food and cash donations.

The food bank will continue accepting donations at the Masonic Hall throughout the week.

Monetary donations can also be sent by e‑transfer to Lthsekpr@nb.sympatico.ca.

Updates are also being posted on the St. George and Area Food Bank’s Facebook page.