News Release

MONCTON (CNB) – The provincial government is providing a 10-year, $550,000 forgivable loan to support Food DEPOT Alimentaire Inc. buy a Moncton food distribution facility from which it has been operating.

"This loan is part of our government's commitment to help those who need help the most," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz. "It will allow Food DEPOT Alimentaire Inc. to continue its efforts to serve food banks and community kitchens in southeastern New Brunswick and other regions."

Food DEPOT Alimentaire Inc., in operation for more than 20 years, is managed by a nine-member board of directors. It services more than 20 food banks, community kitchens and agencies in southeastern New Brunswick. Services include food distribution, fund-raising, food collection and advocacy.

"The support from the community has been tremendous, and we would like to thank the public and our corporate sponsors for helping us with our fund-raising efforts," said Dale Hicks, president, Food DEPOT Alimentaire Inc. "The province's loan, combined with the funds we were able to raise, will allow us to purchase the building and continue our work of serving and feeding people who are in need."

Food DEPOT Alimentaire Inc. is contributing $450,000, for a total investment of $1 million toward the purchase of the distribution centre.

The company operates a state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution centre that has a 1,080-square-metre (12,000-square-foot) freezer and refrigeration area. Almost 1.134 million kilograms (2.5 million pounds) of food is processed and distributed through the warehouse every year.