Red Deer Food Bank expects 5,000 Central Albertans in December

“We’re open six days a week as the only food bank in the area that is; most are open for half a day or a single day in smaller communities,” he said.

Out of the 5,000 people he expects to see this December, he estimates 1,000 will need emergency food hampers to get through the holidays.

“We’re still looking for more turkey, more hams, a lot more breakfast cereal, and there’s still a ways to go in the month but were hopeful,” he said.

A food hamper contains a week’s worth of food like dairy products, canned goods, meats and other necessities like feminine hygiene products and toilet paper.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, those requesting a hamper must call in and schedule a time for pick-up, while bringing documents like identification, proof of income and address.

Thomson stated in previous years the Food Bank would distribute 35 to 50 hampers a day, but this year that number has grown to approximately 75 hampers.

A few larger donations made early in December, like a $25,000 cheque from NOVA Chemicals and annual turkey dinners by Dale Devereaux of Century21, have aided the Food Bank for the start of the holiday season. However, Thomson says they are still lagging behind in what they need this year.

“Honestly, I think we will be a little short on donations, no question. This is the month of the year where people give most generously, but 80 per cent of our funding comes in for food banks in the month of December and it needs to last us all year,” said Thomson.

The money raised goes towards purchasing foods and necessities for their hampers and their own donations to other agencies in Red Deer like the Mustard Seed, Potter’s Hands, soup kitchens and more.

The large amount of job losses during the pandemic, according to Thomson, seems to also be a large factor in a loss in volunteers. According to a Food Banks Canada, 42 per cent of food banks saw a reduction in volunteers since the start of the pandemic.

“I can definitely share stories of previous donors that, because of hardships at this time, are now accessing services,” he said.

This year, Red Deerians can donate in various ways. Until Dec. 18, donations can be dropped off at the Parkland Garden Centre. As well, on Sunday, Dec. 12, Carnival Cinemas will be accepting a donation to the Food Bank as the price of admission to an option of six movies.

And if money is tight this Christmas, the Food Bank is always accepting donations of time.

“We food raise, we fund raise, and we friend raise,” said Thomson.

The Red Deer Food Bank has been serving Central Albertan communities since 1984. Their pantry available to clients contains items aimed to supplement a portion of one’s grocery bills, like bread and potatoes, picked up daily from grocery stores.

“It really does take a community to make sure that everybody is cared for,” said Thomson as he thanked Red Deerians. “We do recognize it’s a difficult time for people and it’s amazing to see the support that does exist in the community.”

For Food Bank Hampers, call (403) 346-1505.

by Alessia Proietti

Red Deer Food Bank expects 5,000 Central Albertans in December

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