A Look Back at Canada’s First Food Bank We Are Supporting May 6th

(An excerpt from Edmonton’s Food Bank found on their website)

Two issues to solve

In 1981, the Edmonton Gleaners Association, more commonly known as Edmonton’s Food Bank, was established to solve two issues: hunger was affecting the lives of many people served by local non-profit organizations and edible food was being wasted in the community. There was a desire to establish a channel to glean surplus food from the food industry to help those experiencing food insecurity. Since then, the Food Bank has been providing food to soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and other community groups along with individuals and families needing food help. The Food Bank collects food from grocery stores, the general public, the food industry, and at community events to feed those in need within our city.

From its humble beginnings in the Prince of Wales Armouries to an established warehouse, Edmonton’s Food Bank feeds over 20,000 Edmontonians each month while supplying food to soup kitchens and shelters like Hope Mission and the Mustard Seed.

“Each and every day, we are working with our partners and community groups to distribute quality, nutritious food to those in need,” said Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank. “Continuing the work to reduce the causes of hunger is essential. Despite all the changes in the world, we still envision a community where hunger does not exist, where everyone has access to an adequate and nutritious supply of food.”

Beautiful videos throughout this article about the history

Throughout the year, we will add videos to this article illustrating how Canada’s first food bank has impacted people and our community. These stories serve as inspiration and documentation of the accomplishments of our community and the positive impacts of our 40-year journey. It is thanks to donations from the community that we have weathered the dynamics of economic booms, busts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners have supported Edmonton’s Food Bank through donations of food, funds and time to feed our neighbours.

Please note that portions of these videos were recorded prior to COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta.

This article is a fascinating look at how people joined together to help others. We will be co-hosting a fundraiser for the food bank and hope you will join us: https://springintothefuture.eventbrite.ca

Please visit http://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com and read the full article on the first food bank in Edmonton.