Food Banks Alberta is the provincial association of food banks in Alberta with a mission to strengthen the impact of the Food Banks Alberta network by sharing best practices, innovations, and essential resources between members, stakeholders, and community partners. Food Banks Alberta comprises over 107 members across the province.
Established in 1998, the organization operates on the belief that the collective efforts of individual food banks can foster mutual support, raise awareness about hunger and poverty, and adopt a solutions-oriented approach to eliminate poverty and hunger. Acknowledging the significant challenges posed by hunger and food insecurity, Food Banks Alberta relies on the strength of its members, relationships, and insights to guide ongoing growth. With over 107 members spanning communities across Alberta, the Provincial Association actively collaborates to envision a hunger-free Alberta. Leading through the creation of new opportunities, knowledge enhancement, and the implementation of innovative programs, Food Banks Alberta strives to cultivate connections that drive positive social change.
VISION of Food Banks Alberta: Our leadership and strong network relationships create connected communities.
MISSION of Food Banks Alberta: Empowering our members to serve Albertans facing food insecurity.
In 2022, through partnerships with producers, suppliers, donors, and the generous spirit of Albertans as a whole, Food Banks Alberta was able to distribute 1,747,536 pounds of healthy food to member food banks, serving hundreds of thousands of Albertans across the province. Food Banks Alberta supports several food-focused charitable programs. The key areas these programs address are combating food insecurity, providing healthy food choices, and education/planning.
The Bulk Food Purchase Subsidy Program offers food banks a reimbursement for the expenses incurred in buying high-demand non-perishable staples such as canned fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, soup, baby food, and pasta, as well as perishable food items such as dairy, eggs, protein, fresh produce, and frozen products.
The Rural Assistance Program was established to support member food banks in addressing the various needs that aren’t covered by other provincial and national funds. This funding can be applied for to assist with several purposes like matching grants, food safety, food purchasing, equipment (purchases, repairs, maintenance), training, and infrastructure. Eligible food banks can access these program funds once every two years. The application forms can be accessed through the online database.
The Rural Transportation Subsidy Program offers reimbursement to rural and smaller food banks for the expenses incurred in obtaining donated food from the provincial network. This program is available to current members of Food Bank Alberta. Priority will be given to food banks situated in communities with a population of 25,000 people or less.
According to the 2023 HungerCount report, in March 2023, there were a total of 174,311 registered visits in Alberta. Among these visits, 63,729 were for children. There was an 11.9% change in total visits from 2022 to 2023, and a significant 94.1% change from 2019 to 2023. Notably, 150 food banks reported providing a cumulative total of 535,363 meals and snacks during this period.
Find more information about a food bank near your location
Collaborate with or donate to Food Banks Alberta
Contact Food Banks Alberta:
105, 3903 75 Avenue
Leduc, AB T9E 0K3
T: (780) 459-4598
info@foodbanksalberta.ca | www.foodbanksalberta.ca
