Edmonton’s Food Bank 

As we start to wrap up our Charity Spotlight features for the year, we are excited to highlight Edmonton’s Food Bank this month. Continue reading to learn more about the important work they do in our community, how you can support their efforts, and upcoming events you can participate in. 

About Edmonton’s Food Bank 

The mission of Edmonton’s Food Bank 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 while seeking solutions to the causes of hunger.” They envision a community where hunger does not exist, and where all people have access to an adequate and nutritious supply of food. 

Without funding from any level of government for programs, food purchases, and services, Edmonton’s Food Bank continues to feed about 43,000 people monthly, culminating to 500,000+ interactions per year through hamper programs, while also providing food to their 380+ partnerships, which extends their collaborative reach even further to vulnerable Edmontonians. 

Each year, they collect, sort, and redistribute approximately 5 million kilograms of food through the warehouse, at no cost to agency partners, individuals, and families. Approximately 60% of it is gleaned, salvaged, or rescued from the food industry. Their network also includes more than 80 community depots, so access is available at the central warehouse or through a local partner. 

Community Enhancement Initiatives 

Beyond Food Program 

Supports people facing financial instability, unemployment, underemployment, or other barriers by connecting them to employment, education, and essential community services. Working with partners, the program provides job readiness training, résumé support, safety certifications, and access to mental health and money management resources. It helps participants build self-reliance. These services are free and available to anyone in need, whether they are a Food Bank client or a member of the public. 

Collective Kitchens 

Offers free, hands-on instruction in practical food skills. Topics include safe knife use, grocery shopping and budgeting, ingredient substitutions, preparation and cooking techniques, using leftovers to cut waste, and preservation methods. 

Community Gardens 

Expands access to fresh produce while building partnerships, hands-on learning, and sustainable growing practices that support food security. Surplus vegetables are often shared among community members and with Edmonton’s Food Bank. 

Seed Bank 

Primarily serves individuals who self-identify as low-income. Last year the program gave out about 3,000 seed packages to community members, volunteers, and partner agencies, and provided a further 500 to start the Edmonton Public Schools student Seed Bank.  

How Can You Help? 

• Food donations, monetary gifts, and your time all make a difference. 

• Attend a community food drive or fundraiser and donate. 

• Organize a food drive or fundraiser at your workplace, school, or club. 

• Sign up as a monthly donor at edmontonsfoodbank.com, or text FEEDYEG to 20222 to add $10 or $20 to your phone bill. 

Mark Your Calendars 

Rise & Serve: Start with Breakfast. End with Impact. Presented by Enbridge, this fundraiser pairs a breakfast with a volunteer shift. It runs on December 3, 10, and 17, 2026 at The ANNEX, 11434 120 Street. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the morning wraps up at 12:15 p.m. Each date is limited to 12 tables, so space goes quickly.  

The Musical Holiday TV Special, brought to you by Servus Credit Union in support of Edmonton’s Food Bank, airs on Global TV on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. It is a one-hour, commercial-free show sharing music, stories, and ways to help. 

To stay up to date or find out about other events, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn. 

“Years ago, a family came into the food bank on a Friday at close. The family walked in because they didn’t know if they qualified for food. I am so proud of the staff and volunteers who stayed to take care of intake (explaining that we are here in the future) and building the food hamper – fresh and packaged food was handed to them and their little boy no older than 6 jumped for joy and exclaimed ‘Look Daddy we’re rich!’ An unsettling truth from a child who equated food to wealth. A simple reminder that what we do is essential.” -Tamisan Bencz-Knight, Director of Resource Development & Communications 

We want to thank Edmonton’s Food Bank for the incredible support and resources they provide to our community, and for being a space that offers respect, kindness, and generosity to those who need it most.