Another 12 bins expected to be placed around Nanaimo in the coming weeks. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

bottled up

Loaves and Fishes Food Bank expanding their Empties 4 Food program across Nanaimo

Apr 12, 2020 | 6:52 AM

NANAIMO — A fairly simple idea is growing to help Nanaimo’s food bank feed thousands each month

The Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank is expanding the Empties 4 Food program with 12 extra bins being placed around the city in the coming weeks. It brings the total to 34 bins for people to drop off their empties, which are recycled by the food bank.

Executive director Peter Sinclair told NanaimoNewsNOW revenue from the bins has grown dramatically to $83,000 in 2019. It raised $39,000 when it launched in 2017.

“We had our suspicions it was going to be successful but we really were shocked at how successful it was,” he said.

“I think it hits on a number of points. First and foremost, people want to give back to the community and this is an easy way to do it. Second, the bins are just so accessible. We hear time and time again from people just how convenient the bins are for them. It’s a great service to the community.”

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The cash raised through bottle donations is used to buy groceries but also fund operations at the food bank, such as fleet maintenance and bills. Sinclair said it costs roughly $45,000 a month to keep the food bank open.

Each collection bin costs $2,000 and is donated from Regional Recycling.

“They’ve been a huge part of our success,” Sinclair said.

The idea of collecting recyclables has caught on with other food banks.

Sinclair said the director of development was set to give a presentation about the program at the since postponed Food Banks of BC conference in May.

“It’s something food banks have recognized is a good fit for operations and a welcome source of revenue. We’re hopeful others will take it on.”

Only the Farquhar St. depot is open Monday to Friday, thought the Generations Church depot is also open on Saturday.

The amount of food being donated to Loaves and Fishes has dipped dangerously in recent weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank serves 3,000 to 3,500 people monthly, benefiting roughly 1,800 households.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit