Those in need of a grocery boost will be heading to a more convenient location when the Winkler and District Food Cupboard moves to their expanded location in the new year.

Volunteer Herb Dick explains their space in Central Station at 545 Industrial Drive will more than double their current 500 sq. ft. facility on Cargill Road.

"We are very short of space where we are," he says, adding during the colder months no more than a dozen people could wait inside the cramped location. Now people can come to Central Station, pick up a food voucher, have a cup of coffee and chat with friends and volunteers.

"We're looking forward to the end of the year," Dick says.

A major expansion at the Central Station and Bunker joint facility at 545 Industrial Drive will create a new approximately 4,000 sq. ft. space for the Bunker, making more room for both Central Station and the food cupboard.

He notes another change coming is the requirement of a Manitoba Health card to receive food vouchers. As of December 1, clients must bring along their health card to identify the number of people in their family.

"It's not necessarily a screening program, but just something so we know exactly who we are providing services for," he says, adding it's a common requirement among food banks, including Winnipeg Harvest.

Dick says they won't turn anyone away, but clients will be encouraged to bring their health card next visit.