The Edmonton Gleaners Association, more commonly known as Edmonton’s Food Bank, was incorporated in 1981 and was the first official food bank in Canada. Edmonton’s Food Bank primarily operates as a central warehouse distributing food to over 300 agencies, shelters, churches, schools and food depots throughout the city to support their programs. By 1984, the hamper programs were established to help feed individuals and families who are not accessing food services from our agency partners. Thanks to this consolidated effort, we ensure that food donations go directly to those who need it the most.
Before food banks existed, most food distribution to those that are dealing with hunger inequality was largely overseen by churches and individuals. Today, we are fortunate to be able to provide our hamper distribution services at four different Anglican parishes in Edmonton. With the help of these churches and our extended network of depots, we are able to provide food to more broadly throughout the community. Being able to collaborate with others helps us in the fulfillment of our mission: to be stewards in the collection of surplus and donated food for the effective distribution, free of charge, to people in need in our community while seeking solutions to the causes of hunger.
Because of our community, we are able to provide a food hamper more than 25,000 people a month while at the same time providing food to our partners. For more information on our programs and services, please visit our website at edmontonsfoodbank.com or contact us at info@edmontonsfoodbank.com.
