Arks Harvest reopened its doors in Vankleek Hill at its new location in the community at 42 Mill Street on Monday, March 30. Following a closure driven by space limitations, rising costs, and operational challenges, Arks Harvest President Nikole Jalbert said strong community demand was a key reason for returning.
“The opening went great. We didn’t do a grand reopening or anything. I just opened because people have been waiting long enough,” Jalbert said.
The organization, which operates as a community-based food program offering affordable produce through bulk purchasing and shared savings, had previously closed due to constraints at its former location.
“Everyone was shopping shoulder to shoulder. There wasn’t enough room for our produce to breathe,” Jalbert said, adding that the cramped conditions led to faster spoilage due to moisture and limited the organization’s ability to expand its offerings.
The space also restricted volunteer involvement, which is central to Arks Harvest’s operations.
“There were limited things we could do in that space,” Jalbert said. “It didn’t make sense financially to stay open.”
During the closure, the organization faced delays tied to zoning changes and building requirements at the new location. The process, which included converting the new space from institutional to commercial use, took longer than expected.
“A few things turned into 10 more things. It was a lot of red tape, and our hands were tied,” Jalbert said.
The delays also affected the community, particularly as reopening timelines shifted multiple times.
“We told the community two or three times we were reopening, and then had to say, ‘No, not quite yet.’ That was very difficult,” Jalbert explained.
Since reopening, the response from residents has been strong. Jalbert said feedback has highlighted the role Arks Harvest plays in providing access to affordable food.
“One of the comments we got was, ‘I haven’t been able to shop for fresh vegetables in months,’” Jalbert said. “The reality is they just didn’t shop for vegetables because grocery stores can be too expensive.”
The new location offers more space and a broader range of products. Customers will notice a less crowded layout, additional frozen items, and the return of meat products. The organization is also exploring the introduction of prepared foods. Arks Harvest has also removed its requirement for customers to use designated baskets, allowing for more flexible purchasing.
“You don’t have to get the whole basket. You can take as little or as much as you want,” Jalbert said.
The reopening comes at a time when food costs continue to rise. Jalbert noted significant increases in produce prices, including a recent jump in the cost of tomatoes from $25 to $90 per case.
“We’re looking at a 20 to 26 per cent increase on trucks of vegetables. It’s pretty scary,” Jalbert said.
In response, the organization is encouraging community participation to help maintain operations.
“The only way we’re going to conquer this is together. There’s no way we can do this other than by volume. If people shop with us, we’ll commit to getting the best deals we can,” Jalbert said.
“We’re not here only for people in need. This is for the working class and those unable to afford expensive produce.”
After three years of operating through community funding, the organization is now exploring grants to support long-term sustainability and potential expansion.
Jalbert noted that current efforts remain focused on maintaining existing locations, with priority placed on rebuilding and continuing to serve the community.
“If people shop, we shop. We’ll move mountains to make it happen,” Jalbert said. “We’re here for the community.”
Arks Harvest Vankleek Hill hours are Mondays from 3 until 8 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online at: https://arksharvest.com.
