After nearly four decades of operation from its original location, the Upper Room Food Bank in Charlottetown has unveiled its newly renovated home on Belmont Street, marking a significant upgrade for PEI’s largest food assistance provider.
The expansive facility, which opened its doors to clients this week, represents more than just a change of address. Walking through the bright, spacious building, I couldn’t help but notice how the thoughtful design addresses long-standing challenges that have plagued food security organizations across the Island.
“This space allows us dignity for our clients,” explained Mike MacDonald, the food bank’s executive director, during my tour of the facility. “The old location forced people to line up outside, sometimes in terrible weather conditions. Now we have a proper waiting room with appropriate seating.”
The relocation comes at a critical time. According to the food bank’s latest usage statistics, they’re serving approximately 3,800 individuals monthly—a number that’s climbed steadily over the past two years as inflation and housing costs continue to squeeze household budgets across Prince Edward Island.
The benefits of the new location extend well beyond aesthetics. MacDonald pointed out several practical improvements that will enhance both operational efficiency and client experience. The warehouse section now features significantly more storage capacity, allowing the organization to accept and manage larger food donations. This expanded space includes proper refrigeration units that can accommodate more fresh produce and perishable items.
“We’ve always wanted to provide more nutritious options,” said Jenny Thompson, a long-time volunteer. “In our old building, limited cold storage meant we often had to turn away donations of fresh vegetables or dairy. Now we can say yes to those crucial healthy foods.”
Perhaps most transformative is the new dedicated intake area where clients can discuss their needs privately with staff. This feature addresses a critical concern in a tight-knit community like Charlottetown, where privacy concerns may have previously prevented some individuals from seeking needed assistance.
Provincial Health Minister Mark McLane, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, acknowledged the paradox inherent in celebrating a food bank expansion. “It’s both wonderful and heartbreaking that this facility is needed. While we’re grateful for the improved services, we must continue working toward a future where fewer Islanders require food assistance.”
The $1.2 million renovation project received funding from multiple sources, including a substantial government contribution, corporate donations, and community fundraising efforts. Local contractor Sullivan Construction completed the work approximately $50,000 under budget, an achievement MacDonald described as “almost unheard of in today’s construction climate.”
Behind the scenes, the facility includes modernized volunteer spaces, reflecting the organization’s dependence on community support. Nearly 80 regular volunteers keep operations running smoothly, with that number swelling during holiday donation drives.
“Our volunteers deserved better working conditions,” MacDonald noted while showing me the new break room and accessibility features. “Many of our most dedicated helpers are retirees who’ve been with us for years. The improved ergonomics and workflow design means less physical strain on everyone.”
Community nutritionist Sarah Cooke, who partners with the food bank on education initiatives, expressed enthusiasm about the teaching kitchen that’s been incorporated into the new facility. “We can now host cooking demonstrations using the actual ingredients available that week. It’s one thing to hand someone a bag of lentils; it’s another to show them three quick, tasty ways to prepare them.”
The relocation also brings geographical benefits. The Belmont Street location offers improved access to public transportation routes and provides ample parking—a seemingly small detail that significantly impacts accessibility for both clients and donation drop-offs.
What struck me most during my visit wasn’t the building itself, but the careful thought evident in every design choice. From the layout that preserves client confidentiality to the efficient sorting areas that maximize volunteer contributions, the facility represents a community-centered approach to addressing food insecurity.
However, as several clients waiting for the food bank’s services reminded me, no amount of improved infrastructure can fully address the underlying issues driving food insecurity on the Island. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and inflation continue to push more working families toward requiring assistance.
“I never thought I’d need to come here,” shared one client who preferred to remain anonymous. “I work full-time, but after paying rent, there’s just not enough left for groceries, especially with three kids.”
The food bank’s data reflects this changing demographic. According to their intake records, approximately 35% of current clients are employed but still unable to make ends meet—a figure that’s risen from 22% just three years ago.
As Charlottetown faces its ongoing housing crunch, with vacancy rates hovering around 1%, the connection between housing costs and food insecurity becomes increasingly apparent. Several social service organizations on the Island have called for a more integrated approach to addressing these interconnected challenges.
The Upper Room Food Bank’s move represents a significant improvement in how emergency food services are delivered in PEI’s capital region. Yet as MacDonald candidly acknowledged during our conversation, “Our ultimate goal would be to put ourselves out of business. Until that day comes, we’ll continue improving how we serve our neighbors in need.”
For information about donating, volunteering, or accessing services, Islanders can visit the new location at 15 Belmont Street in Charlottetown or call their main office.
