Grocery stores, distributors harvest for food banks

by Janet Kanters

For many Alberta families – those who have recently met with economic hardship, the homeless, or the working poor – a trip to the local foodbank is an unfortunate fact of life.

The province’s food banks feed thousands of people each year because of the generosity and assistance received from many sources, including Alberta’s grocery stores and distributors.

“They help us in any number of ways,” says Marjorie Bencz, executive director of the Edmonton Food Bank. “It can be in the form of surplus food, such as a product that’s edible but not marketable, to other items that we can use that consumers might not want.”

For example, food bank clients can safely enjoy bruised fruit or day-old bread that can no longer be sold by the grocery store.

The need is year-round

According to Bencz, food is often the first victim of inadequate income. After expenses such as rent, utilities, or child expenses, many food bank recipients must cut food from their budget.

Each month, 13,000 people receive hampers from the Edmonton Food Bank or one of the agencies, churches or food depots affiliated with it. The organization also distributes over 250,000 meals and snacks each month. The situation and demand is much the same in Calgary. “Often, the public thinks of the food banks only at key times of the year, like Christmas,” says Bencz. “But the need is here all year round. That’s why we rely on our many donors, such as grocery stores and distributors, for help.”

Alberta grocery stores provide more than food, though. Donations come in a variety of forms – from food donations to cash donations to in-kind donations – resources like forklifts, truck parts, printing services or advertising space needed to get the message out. “This is yet another way grocery stores help the food bank,” notes Bencz. “As well, they give us coupons, so we can buy the food we need as we need it.”

Many grocery stores also package food items into “pre-packs,” which consumers can purchase at the store’s check-out and then deposit in the specially marked food bank bins located near the stores’ exits.

“Basically, a pre-pack includes items needed by the food banks, such as spaghetti, canned vegetables and so on,” explains Bencz. “The donor simply has to pick it up, pay for it and put it in the food bank bin. And of course, every bit helps and is appreciated.”

“Community service is a big part of retail food industry,” says Bryan Walton, Vice President, Western Region of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors. “After all, grocery stores are important community anchors. And, being in the food business, it only makes sense we give back to our neighbours using the products and the expertise we have.”

Ways you can help

• Remember that food banks rely on donations throughout the year, not just at Christmas or Thanksgiving.
• Buy a “pre-pack” available at your local grocery store, and donate to your food bank.
• Purchase a couple of tickets for the Huron Carole, a food bank benefit concert series held in Fort McMurray, Calgary and Edmonton in December.
• For more information on Alberta’s food banks, please call 1.866.251.2326 or visit www.albertafoodbank.info