The Interfaith Food Bank in Lethbridge is celebrating upgrades to its parking lot.
Officials said the work was much needed, as the parking lot was facing drainage issues, uneven surfaces and an absence of marked spaces.
The food bank said these issues had created challenges for clients, and an increase in demand for Emergency Food Assistance had led to a boost in traffic in the lot, “creating safety concerns for clients, donors, staff and volunteers alike”.
The food bank explained that the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta assisted with the work, through the Community Priority Grant program. Funds were also received from the provincial government’s Community Facility Enhancement Program, and the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund. Officials add that donations from multiple community donors supported the project as well.
Officials said thanks to the community’s support, the society has addressed a major pooling issue in the rear parking lot, which would see lake-like conditions “even with the smallest amount of rain”. Missing pavement in the front lot has been patched up, lines have been painted to identify spaces, with other work including installing curbs and adding two accessible parking spaces for individuals with mobility issues.
The food bank said improved signage and wayfinding has provided a boost to the physical appearance of the facility.
“These improvements are a godsend,” said Danielle McIntyre, Interfaith’s executive director. “The improved safety alone is a huge impact, but it’s the ability of community members to access our programs and services that makes the most difference.”
McIntyre said a burst in demand has led to increased volunteer recruitment, which leads to more vehicles having to safely access the lot each day. She added that without defined spaces, the food bank was unable to maximize the amount of parking spaces available.
“Some people park way too close, or way too far from the next vehicle, and without designated accessible parking, people with mobility issues had often been forced to park way too far from the entrances,” McIntyre stated.
“You just don’t know how grateful you can be for something like an appropriately designed parking lot!”
SITE SUSTAINABILITY
Interfaith uses a ‘Site Sustainability Plan’ to guide future capital project needs to make sure the facility is maintained and available to serve the community in the best way possible.
McIntyre said the next project on their list is improving the HVAC systems in the South Warehouse. “Ensuring proper temperatures for food storage and volunteer manpower are vital to our operations,” she noted.
“As with all of our capital projects, all funds need to be in place before projects start, and we never use donations intended for food or programs for capital improvements.”
More information about the volunteering or the work being done at the local facility is available on the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge website.
