The Alberta Motor Association has partnered with grocery stores and Food Banks Alberta (FBA) to hold a two-week food drive. Jane Flower, vice president of corporate purpose at AMA, said the company saw a great need for donations after learning food banks are experiencing record demand.
“We knew that demand on the food banks has increased about 30 per cent since 2019 but we were seeing numbers that were over 100,000 visitors every month. Almost 116,400 visitors every month who are visiting Alberta food banks,” she said.
With AMA’s nearly one million members, she said one item from each would make a significant difference.
“The need is so great that any donation that anybody can make, will help to alleviate some of the pain that food banks are experiencing right now as they strive to continue to be there to support Albertans in need,” Flower said. “We know that we are reaching out and asking at a time when all Albertans are feeling the pinch, but if you have the capacity and can add one extra jar of peanut butter or a box of granola bars or a can of beans and drop it off at one of our donation locations.”
All donations made in Lethbridge will stay in the community and go to local food banks. Donations can be dropped off at select grocery stores between Sept. 16 and 30. A full list of drop off location can be found on AMA’s website.
“Alberta has the highest rate of food insecurity in the country,” said Arianna Scott, FBA’s chief executive officer. “The same challenges that created the problem — rising utility costs, inflation and soaring prices for essentials — mean donations don’t go as far as they used to. But with enough community support, we can make a real and powerful difference for our friends and neighbours.”
