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 Alberta Food Banks 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 Alberta Food Banks office. Each application will be reviewed by the Alberta Food Banks Board of Directors on an individual basis. This program will remain active while funds are available.

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.

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; or
• 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 what they are currently giving to clients. Suggested foods are:
• Beef, chicken & eggs
• Fresh fruits & vegetables
• Milk & margarine
• Specific ethnic food
• Other perishable items or specific product like real juice for children

Application

Food banks wishing to take advantage of the Assistance Fund must:

• Be a member of Alberta Food Banks;
• Submit a completed application form;
• Demonstrate a need for the funding.

A maximum of $1,000 is available for each food bank annually.

Please complete the Alberta Food Banks Assistance Fund Application and forward your application by mail or fax to the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. Thank you.