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Food
for Thought
Our
mission is to be stewards in the collection of surplus and donated food for the
effective distribution, free of charge, to people in need in our community.
In
2006, we collected, sorted, packaged, and distributed over 3,000,000 kg of food
to over 160 agencies, churches, and food depots.
Each
month we provide food to soup kitchens, shelters, and drop-in programs for 250,000
meals.
Each
month in 2006, an average of 13,000 individuals were served by hamper programs
supported by Edmonton's Food Bank.
In
2006, volunteers contributed over 30,000 hours to the programs supported by Edmonton's
Food Bank.
We
receive financial support for operations and food purchases from the public, the
United Way Alberta Capital Region, grants from foundations, and other sources. We
are members of the Canadian Association of Food Banks and the Alberta Food Bank
Network Association. Our
service is provided year round, on Christmas and every day.
We issue tax reciepts for donations over $10.
Food
Sources Gleaned
Food
Edmonton's Food Bank collects food such as bread, fruits, vegetables,
and near dated dairy products from grocery stores, food producers, warehouses,
farmers, and local growers. This food is edible but not always marketable for
a variety of reasons. Special
Events and Food Drives
We appreciate the support that we receive from
countless schools, churches, community groups, and businesses through special
events and food drives. Foods gathered at these events usually include non-perishable
items not normally collected through gleaning activities, such as canned meat,
powdered milk, and peanut butter. Food
Purchases
Each year, Edmonton's Food Bank purchases between $180,000 and
$360,000 worth of food. Between food drives, our food supplies will often run
low, so we use monetary donations to ensure that our hampers are nutritionally
balanced.
Warehouse
While our facility appears modest, it is centrally located and accessible to everyone.
It has several loading docks, two walk-in freezers, and three walk-in coolers
to help preserve the quality of our perishable products.
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History
The
Edmonton Gleaners Association, more commonly known as Edmonton's Food Bank, was
formed in 1981. To glean means to gather by patient harvest. The original mandate
of the organization was to gather food from the food industry, such as day-old
bread and pastries, and turn this food over to soup kitchens and shelters. Our
work continues. By donating to Edmonton's Food Bank, you are helping over 135
groups assist people in need. Client
Services When
an individual calls the food bank looking for assistance, they are asked questions
about their situation such as what is your name, address, family size, source
of income, and what has happened this month that has left you short of money and
food. It is during this intake process that the individual may be provided with
information on other helping groups such as low-cost housing and collective kitchens.
Our volunteers are also able to provide callers with information on welfare benefits
and other government assistance programs.
Local Food Banks
Bon
Accord Food Bank
P.O. Box 886, Bon Accord, AB T0A 0K0 780-923-2344
Camrose & District Food Bank c/o neighbour link
P.O. Box 1936, Camrose,
AB 780-672-1032
Ft. Saskatchewan Food Bank
Box 3404, 9803 - 102 Street,
Ft. Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2T3 780-998-4099
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