Alberta government invests $10 million into food banks across province

From left to right: Marjorie Bencz, executive director of Edmonton’s Food Bank; Shawna Bissell, executive director of Food Banks Alberta; Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, and Melissa From, president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank. The group pose for a photo at Edmonton's Food Bank. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

The Government of Alberta announced yesterday that $10 million will be provided to food banks across the province to help Albertans who rely on their local organizations.

Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, spoke at a press conference and explained where the money is going, and how the money provided will go beyond this holiday season.

“$3.7 million is going to food banks, as well as our partners in FCSS who are helping us in grant support. An additional $4.1 million will be allocated through food security grants and applications throughout this month of November, and then $2.2 million will be provided to Food Banks Alberta to develop a program to coordinate the needs of food banks during emergencies,” Nixon said.

Volunteers at Edmonton’s Food Bank hard at work making sure the needs of the community are met. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

In an interview with Windspeaker Radio Network, Marjorie Bencz, executive director of Edmonton’s Food Bank, said this donation comes at a time where food bank usage is at an all-time high in Edmonton, and more demographics of people are coming through their doors.

“We’re seeing historical numbers of people turning to us in need of our services,” Bencz said. “We appreciate the province of Alberta for stepping forward.”

Marjorie Bencz the executive director of Edmonton’s Food Bank, watches on as volunteers work in the background. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

Travelling south on the QEII, the situation is no different in Calgary. Melissa From, the president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank, said their food bank has seen a 140 per cent increase in usage over the last four years. She made a point that they will always be there for their community.

“Everyone who walks through our doors relies on us to be there for their difficult times. As Albertans, I know that it is in our genome that we simply do not leave others behind,” From said.

Listen to the radio feature below: