Construction workers in downtown Kelowna, B.C., have been enjoying meals from a food truck operated by the Gospel Mission next to a major condo tower project site. Unlike most food trucks, this one is run by a homeless shelter, providing delicious breakfast and lunch options to the workers. The Gospel Mission saw this opportunity as a way to turn their centralized kitchen, which already serves over 700 meals a day, into a social enterprise by setting up a food truck. The workers have been very supportive of the initiative, with the revenue earned going back into the Gospel Mission’s services.
The Gospel Mission acquired two trucks through grants a couple of years ago, with one being used for outreach and the other being utilized for the food truck at the construction site. The food truck has been operating at the site since April and has proven to be quite profitable, making over $30,000 in its first quarter. This revenue is essential for a not-for-profit organization like the Gospel Mission, as it provides unrestricted funds that can be used to support their programs and services. The money earned also benefits the Gospel Mission’s employment program, allowing shelter residents to gain employment and build valuable skills.
The success of the food truck initiative has been a boon for the Gospel Mission, providing a valuable stream of revenue that supports their operations. The organization has been able to hire shelter residents to work in the food truck, providing them with employment opportunities and a chance to build their resumes and work habits. This initiative has been well-received by both the construction workers who enjoy the food truck’s offerings and the shelter residents who have been able to gain employment through the program. The Gospel Mission is already considering expanding to other construction projects once the current one wraps up.
The revenue generated from the food truck is crucial for the Gospel Mission as it provides much-needed funds for their programs and services. Grant funding can be unpredictable, so having a consistent source of income from the food truck allows the organization to continue supporting the homeless population in Kelowna. The success of the food truck initiative highlights the potential for social enterprises to not only provide valuable services to the community but also create employment opportunities for those in need. The Gospel Mission’s innovative approach to addressing homelessness through the food truck initiative serves as a model for other organizations looking to make a positive impact in their communities.
