Food banks across Alberta run on donations from the community and help from volunteers.
Although they need our help year round, extra help is crucial now due to the global pandemic. If you're interested in helping your local food bank, we've got all the information you'll need to get started.
Volunteer
Volunteer work helps people stay active, it counteracts the effects of stress, and it's a fun way to meet new people in your community. Volunteers are needed to answer phone calls, perform data entry, repackage and sort food, sort and pack hampers, deliver food, and to help out with special events.
Currently volunteer positions need to be filled at the Vegreville Food Bank Society, the Vermilion Food Pantry, the Red Deer Food Bank Society, and at the Edmonton Food Bank.
Donate Food
While volunteering at a food bank is a vital service, donating food is what puts food on the table for many families. Presently, the demand on food banks across the country has surged. The most requested items at food banks include:
- Beans
- Canned meat (tuna, salmon, chicken, ham)
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Juice boxes
- Soup
- Healthy school snacks (granola bars, fruit cups)
- Baby formula
- Bread
- Pastry
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Diapers
- Toiletries
- Dish soap
- Hygiene products
Drop off your food items in marked donation bins at your local grocer, fire stations (please verify they're open to the public before arrival), Edmonton Food Bank Warehouse, Southside Dodge Chrysler in Red Deer, or by appointment at your local food bank.
Donate Money
Donating money is a wonderful way to support your local food bank. You can make a one-time donation, monthly donation, or sponsor a family. Cash donations are the most effective, as gift cards force food banks to shop at a retail store instead of buying in bulk from farmers and large suppliers.