Alberta Food Bank Assistance Fund

HISTORY

In the fall of 2008 Farm Credit Canada, in conjunction with Alberta Food Banks, staged the first Drive Away Hunger Tour in Alberta. This tour, in addition to providing food for Alberta Food Banks, raised $44,000 used as the basis for a fund to assist AFBNA members.

FUND STRUCTURE

These funds are made available to member food banks to assist with various needs, some of which are listed below. Food banks are to complete the attached application and submit it to the AFBNA office. Each application will be reviewed by the AFBNA Board of Directors on an individual basis.

Transportation – Member Food Banks can apply for funds to cover some (or all) of the transportation costs of transporting food from a hub Food Bank (i.e. Edmonton) to a smaller centre or community. Copies of invoices or bills must be provided. Transportation and cost of transportation must have take place after June 1, 2008.

Renewal and Capacity-Building Fund – Member Food Banks require equipment and space to enable them to store and transport food safely and effectively. The size and scope of many food banks has grown. In many cases, there is a critical need to upgrade equipment and physical plants to cope with this reality. This fund is flexible to meet the unique needs of the specific Food Bank. Examples of use of these funds:
• equipment required to store food must be upgraded or acquired
• computers need to be purchased or replaced.

Food Fund – Food Banks sometimes struggle to provide food that is nutritionally balanced and culturally appropriate. This fund provides funds to food banks to purchase food to top up the food that they are currently giving to clients. Suggested foods are:
• Beef, chicken, eggs
• Fresh fruits, vegetables
• Milk, margarine
• When dealing with ethnic groups specialized items may be required
• When operating direct feeding programs, other perishable items, real juice for children
 
APPLICATION

Food Banks wishing to take advantage of the Alberta Food Banks Grant must:

• Be a member of the Alberta Food Bank Network Association, thus a federally registered charity;
• Submit a completed application form;
• Submit a current list of Food Bank Directors;
• Include a copy of financial statements and/or annual report;
• Demonstrate a need for the funding.

A maximum of $1000 is available for each food bank.

Please complete the Alberta Food Banks Assistance Fund Application, attach a copy of your financial statements and/or your annual report, and forward your application by mail or fax to the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. Thank you.