If you live in New Brunswick, you know the rising cost of groceries impacts families every day. Canada’s first large scale perishable food rescue centre is now open in Fredericton to help. The Thrive Food Rescue Centre aims to reduce food waste and tackle rising food insecurity across the province. The facility processes surplus produce that would otherwise spoil, turning it into frozen goods. Workers then store these items in freezers before distributing them to food banks in Saint John and beyond.

A Truckload of Carrots

The idea for the centre started with a massive donation. Alex Boyd, CEO of Greener Village, explained that his food bank once received a tractor trailer load of carrots. They had nowhere to store the massive donation. This event exposed a major flaw in the provincial food bank network. Facilities lacked the capacity to accept and store large scale fresh food donations.

Now, the Thrive Food Rescue Centre fills that gap. The facility expects to process up to $4 million worth of food each year. This massive influx of rescued food directly benefits food banks in your local community and across New Brunswick.

Tackling Food Insecurity in New Brunswick

The provincial government backed the project with a $985,000 contribution. Other levels of government, private donors, and charities also provided funding.

The need for this facility is clear. Data from Food Banks Canada reveals that 28.2 percent of New Brunswick residents experience food insecurity. This rate sits 4.2 percentage points higher than the national average.

Food Banks Canada CEO Kirsten Beardsley called the new facility a national model for redirecting surplus food at scale. However, she noted that logistical solutions alone cannot solve the hunger crisis. She emphasized that government investments must address root affordability issues.

Premier Susan Holt attended the grand opening and acknowledged the persistent food insecurity across the province. She pointed to recent provincial measures designed to help, including a rent cap, school lunch programs, and a 10 percent cut to power bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thrive Food Rescue Centre?

It is Canada’s first large scale perishable food rescue centre. The facility takes surplus fresh produce, processes it into frozen goods, and distributes it to food banks across New Brunswick.

How much food will the centre process?

The facility expects to process up to $4 million worth of food annually.

Why did New Brunswick need this facility?

Food banks previously lacked the storage capacity to accept large donations of fresh produce. Additionally, 28.2 percent of New Brunswick residents face food insecurity, making food rescue a critical need.

Who funded the project?

The New Brunswick government contributed $985,000. Charities, private donors, and other levels of government provided the remaining funds.