The City of Campbell River is supporting the launch of a new nightly dinner program at the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, aimed at expanding food services for residents in need.

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Salvation Army and the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, building on existing lunchtime meal services to provide consistent evening meals in a stable, indoor setting.

It will replace the temporary take-away food program that has been operating since the closure of the Hem’?aelas Community Kitchen.

That take-away service will remain in place until the new dinner program is ready to begin.

City officials say the initiative follows months of work with local service providers to find longer-term solutions to food security challenges.

Efforts have included helping identify service locations and supporting delivery options within existing facilities.

Mayor Kermit Dahl says the program reflects months of dedicated behind-the-scenes work by City staff and community partners.

He says the collaboration will provide a consistent nightly dinner service from a trusted, established location.

The City and the Salvation Army have also signed a four-year memorandum of understanding. Under that agreement, the City will provide financial support while both sides work toward a longer-term goal of building a purpose-built facility outside the downtown core.

Additional funding for 2026 will come from the City’s Financial Stabilization Reserve, with staff also looking to offset costs through grants where possible.

Meals will be prepared and served by experienced providers with established food program capacity, and the City is encouraging community organizations to support the effort through donations, supplies, or volunteer time.

The dinner program is expected to launch once staffing, supplies, and logistics are in place.

For more information, visit City of Campbell River.