INNISFAIL - New provincial government funding for food banks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is both needed and welcome, say officials with area facilities.
While the Innisfail and Area Food Bank (IAFB) has not seen a marked increase in traffic during the pandemic, officials believe things may pick up in the coming weeks, said long-time co-coordinator Brenda Hand.
“We are anticipating an increase in demand going forward,” said Hand.
While the Innisfail food bank is current in good shape in terms of finances and food donations, officials are always welcoming donations, she said.
Officials hope that anyone wanting to make cash donation does so through the mail since that does not involve any social distancing concerns, she said, noting that the IAFB mailing address is Box 6084, Innisfail, T4G-1S7.
Food donation can be dropped off at the food bank at 4303 – 50 Street during operating hours Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., she said.
The provincial government announced that it will be providing $5 million to support to food banks and other community organizations conducting food supply efforts.
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Mountain View Food Bank (MVFB) is located in Olds and serves communities across the district.
Treasurer Penny Coyne says the MVFB has applied for some of the new provincial funding, asking for between $5,000 and $10,000.
“It is going to be welcome,” said Coyne. “We are very lucky because we have a lot of volunteers and so we don’t have a high administration cost. The expenditures that we do have are not high but we do service a large area and so the amount of food we have to purchase each month is rather substantial.”
MVFB continues to receive many generous donations from the community, she said, noting there hasn’t been a marked jump in demand during the pandemic.
Devin Dreeshen is Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.
“I would like to assure Albertans that we have food security here in Alberta. I would also like to thank all of the organizations across the province that continue to support our food banks,” said Dreeshen.
“Great initiatives, like 4-H’s charity animal sales, are innovative approaches to promote local charities including food bank donations. I know, through 4-H this year, I will be donating to my local food bank.”
