Media Release – February 6, 2026

Central Okanagan Food Bank to launch Food Rescue Transformation Centre in 2026 

The Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) announces a new project to be enacted this year that works to address the rising demand of food insecurity in the Central Okanagan, the high amount of food waste in the region, and issues for local producers. COFB’s food rescue transformation centre is a new physical space looking to provide long-term solutions to food insecurity through logistics and programming set to benefit and transform local food pathways in the region, getting more food to more people in less time. 

The food rescue transformation centre is designed to rescue, store, and process surplus fresh food from regional food producers to create meals and shelf-stable foods from the product and deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of nourishment to those facing food insecurity. This is about reducing waste, strengthening local agriculture, and building a stronger, more connected regional food system for generations to come. 

“This food rescue transformation centre is the first of its kind in the Central Okanagan. We’re excited to spearhead this innovative and inclusive initiative,” says Trevor Moss, CEO of the Central Okanagan Food Bank. “I’m excited about sharing more information soon about the transformation methods and opportunities that come with this space.” 

More details are to come in March as COFB launches a fundraising campaign in support of their transformation centre. At the Gopal Foundation’s 8th Annual Bollywood Gala in support of COFB on March 7, the organization plans to reveal more details about the Transformation Centre. “We see food insecurity and food waste side by side. By working together, we can address both at scale and I look forward to sharing more at the Bollywood Gala.” says Trina Speiser, Director of Development at COFB. Purchase tickets to the Bollywood Gala here.