'I don't want giving to hurt': Edmonton Food Bank seeks donations of any size as demand soars
Volunteers scoured city doorsteps Saturday in search of non-perishable goods.
Bags of food donations were picked up around the city throughout the day for the Edmonton Food Bank's (EFB) annual food drive, which comes as the demand for services reaches record highs.
"The biggest challenge for us right now is keeping up with demand," said Tamisan Bencz-Knight, manager of strategic relationships and partnerships at the EFB.
She said the EFB has seen a huge increase in the number of clients visiting, with over 36,000 served in August compared to the average of 19,000 a month in 2020. That's more than the population of Leduc, she added.
"That is a huge amount monthly coming out of our organization, and that's why food donations, food drives like this [are] so instrumental," she said.
The drive has been running for 13 years, organized by the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints. Over 4,000 volunteers from the church dropped off 250,000 bright yellow bags to single family homes this week, collecting them Saturday to fill up trucks bound for the EFB.
"Every year I hold my breath at this moment as I watch these trucks roll in and I keep counting and I hope that there's more and more and more," said Chantelle McMullin, a communication director with the church.
McMullin said last year's drive brought in almost 300,000 pounds of food. But, she added, inflation and rising costs of living are adding to financial strain, meaning more is needed for the growing number of people seeking services at the EFB.
"Their shelves are barer than they've ever been, so they really need the help of all Edmontonians. And so, I'm hopeful at this moment that we will step up as we always do as good people and fill those shelves," she said.
Bencz-Knight said the EFB supplies food to around 300 community organizations, as well as to individuals and families, and the organization spent over $1.4 million on food purchases in 2022 to keep up with demand.
With food coming in as fast as it goes out, Bencz-Knight said, the city-wide food drive is a key strategy to building up some stock.
"Unfortunately you can't just feed someone for one month. People need food and nourishment all the time, so we always have to make sure that the food stock keeps rolling in."
She added that anything people can spare makes a difference, even if it's just one dollar or one can of food. And there's always room for volunteers if a time donation is more accessible.
"We want people to give what makes them happy to give," Bencz-Knight said. "It's whatever fits for you, because I don't want giving to hurt.
"Giving should feel good."
If you did not get a bag and would like to make a donation, you can drop off non-perishable items at major grocery stores or fire stations around Edmonton. Monetary donations can be made through the Edmonton Food Bank website.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jessica Robb
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.