AFBNA Profile: Mission, Philosophy, and History

Our Mission

The mission of the Alberta Food Bank Network Association – also known as Alberta Food Banks – is to provide support and leadership to food banks across Alberta in their efforts to provide short term relief in the area of food insecurity while working on long term solutions for hunger and poverty.

Our Philosophy

We believe that:

• An official and recognized body representing all food banks across Alberta provides an effective problem-solving vehicle; specifically for ensuring equitable and fair access to funding and other food resources.
• Having open networking, collaboration, and effective communication channels amongst food bank peers is important in the changing global economy.
• A collective voice representing Alberta Food Banks is an effective way of communicating issues and policy recommendations to decision makers and the general public.
• Working together to raise food insecurity and poverty issues in the public and governmental sectors is more effective than advocating individually.
• The development and reinforcement of standards provides an example for food banks to follow and credibility for member organizations.
• Leadership in the provision of direction, information, and support for food banks through an association provides a western presence on the national level. Additionally, the association is a recognizable central point of contact for anyone outside the food bank sector.
• Sharing resources, information, expertise, and skills is the essence of food bank trusteeship.
• The Alberta Food Bank Network Association and its membership are committed to respecting the dignity of people in need.

Our History

The Alberta Food Bank Network Association (the AFBNA) was incorporated on March 19, 1998 because the founders of this association believed:

• Food banks should support each other in achieving their objectives.
• Communication among food banks is mutually beneficial.
• Food banks’ working together enhances the well being of communities throughout Alberta.
• Creating public awareness and providing education about hunger and poverty are important elements of food bank activities.

The association has provided the means to accomplish these beliefs – by being the primary go-to place for Alberta food bank members to pool their resources and exchange information. It will bring community food bank members together to accomplish the ultimate goal: discovering a solution to poverty and hunger.

More than 110 Alberta communities currently have food banks. Each month, these organizations provide food to more than 60,000 Albertans. The most common service they offer is providing hampers to disadvantaged individuals and families. Many food banks distribute food to other non-profit groups in their areas. Food banks also work together to lobby government and advocate for change.