Skip to content

Food Banks Alberta Prepares to Support More Albertans this Holiday Season

Food Banks anticipate increased demand as CERB runs out and holidays approach.
foodbank
Alberta's food banks anticipate greater demand this holiday season and beyond. Photo: Metro Creative Connection

Times are tough, but accessing nutritious food, or family essentials, doesn't have to be. 

Food Banks Alberta, with its 100 member food banks, has launched a province-wide campaign to remind Albertans "we are open, safe and united in welcoming any Albertan in need."

The organization is preparing for a significant increase in Albertans needing support from community food banks due to the impact of COVID-19, the ending of CERB, the continued economic crisis facing Alberta, and the rising cost of living.

“We want our message to all Albertans to be clear and simple. We are open, we are safe, and we are ready to welcome you whether you want to give or receive support,” said Arianna Scott, Senior Project Manager for Food Banks Alberta. “People have enough on their plates these days, so we don’t want anyone to worry about how they are going to feed themselves or their families.”

Scott said they are seeing an increase in new clients accessing the food banks because of circumstances related to COVID-19. They are also anticipating a significant increase in need starting this holiday season and extending into the tax season of 2021.

“The pandemic has affected Albertans in different ways, but we have noticed many of our new clients were unaware they could access their local food bank,” said Scott. “These are people who have mortgage and car payments who need to prioritize those payments, but may not be left with much else to be able to put food on the table. Also, with CERB running out, we are seeing those affected by job loss in industries like energy, tourism and hospitality looking for places to get extra help.”

In 2019, over 89,821 Albertans accessed a food bank monthly, with over 13,614 being visits to rural food banks.

Scott said in recent months many new food banks clients and donors have been uncertain if it’s safe to access their local food bank. Many people are looking to donate to their local food banks, but they have held back on dropping off donations because they weren’t sure if it was safe to do so.

"Your donations will be needed and welcomed, especially as we go into a busy holiday season," Scott said. "We have seen overwhelming support from Albertans since the beginning of COVID-19, and we ask those who are in a position to give to consider supporting their communities by donating to their local food bank.”

Scott also noted they are seeing an outpouring of #AlbertaStrong style community support. From individuals to radio stations to real estate firms to sports teams and even classrooms; Albertans are uniting to create their own community donation drives. 

“We see you, we thank you and we encourage you to keep it up,” she added. 

Food banks provide a variety of hampers to Albertans in need, including everything from fresh produce (when available), dried goods and household essentials like toilet paper, feminine hygiene items, diapers, and other baby related items. Hampers are accessed by calling a local food bank, and arranging assistance. Food bank assessment and identification requirements vary by location.

To learn more about Food Banks Alberta, to make a donation, or to find a food bank nearest you, visit: www.foodbanksalberta.ca/open.

Read more from AlbertaPrimeTimes.com

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks