About Us

Empowering Communities, Ending Hunger

Whether they occupy a church basement, a warehouse, or a donated corner of a town hall, every food bank in this province is committed to making the most of what they have been given as they safeguard and support the wellness of their communities and their members.

At Food Banks Alberta, we support food banks in the province as they work to address the growing challenges of food insecurity and hunger. From operational assistance to advocacy, we are committed to supporting food banks with what they need, when needed, allowing them to focus on what they do best: feeding hungry Albertans.

Our Mission

Food Bank usage in Alberta continues to rise year after year, and food insecurity remains a serious and pervasive issue.

There is no one solution to addressing complex social problems such as this, but all solutions require the kind of cooperation and collaboration we see as Food Banks Alberta Members come together to address the need.

As the provincial association of food banks in Alberta, our mission is to strengthen the impact of our network by sharing food, best practices, innovations, and essential resources between members, stakeholders, and community partners. We are 113 members strong.

food banks alberta team
Food bank inventory preparing to give

Our Vision

Lead. Feed. Share.

We believe every Albertan should have access to healthy food.

We believe in our members’ ability to meet this need effectively, efficiently and compassionately.

We believe Albertans to be generous, collaborative, and relentless in their support of us, as we support others.

How We Help

carrots on cutting board

Programs & Services

Our programs & services help food banks maximize their impact through bulk purchase subsidies and assisting rural communities in accessing and moving food.

Tomatoes on wooden table

Member Support

Many food banks in Alberta are small offices with big impact, run by volunteers. We support their administrative efforts.

potatoes in crate on table

Advocacy

Food Banks Alberta is the leading voice for hunger and food insecurity issues in the province. We are working to create lasting solutions for Albertans.

Our Story

Food Banks Alberta was founded in 1998 on the belief that individual food banks were better together and could support one another through a unified, solutions-focused approach to ending poverty and hunger.

Today, we have 113+ members in communities throughout Alberta, where we work together to achieve positive social change. As a collective we provide relevant and innovative food insecurity programs that contribute to an Alberta without hunger.

Small But Mighty

“In the rural community where I live, our food bank is located in a church basement and run entirely by volunteers. When I started volunteering here, I was surprised and humbled to learn of the need that kept our little operation always busy.

Hunger is often hidden because of shame, but it is more common than any of us would imagine.

Food Banks Alberta helps us with food and with running the admin side of our little food bank. Their truck seems to show up exactly when we need it most.”

– Food Bank Volunteer

volunteers organizing food boxes and food in winter

Shawna Bissell

Executive Director

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Shawna joined Food Banks Alberta in August 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector, focused on children, families, and community work. Through a combination of formal education (MA) and hands-on learning, she has developed the skills necessary for engagement, collaboration, and active listening within a diverse, multi-agency environment like FBA.

Believing in the importance of building positive, productive relationships, Shawna strives to achieve goals in a responsive and respectful manner. Born and raised in rural Alberta, she is thrilled to support and serve the province she loves. In her spare time, she enjoys running and sharing coffee with the wonderful people in her life.

Leslie von Albedyhll

Office Manager

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Leslie is our dedicated office manager, the heartbeat of our team, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and our clients receive exceptional care. With over eight years of experience in the non-profit sector, she excels as both a bookkeeper and an administrator. Her background equips her with invaluable skills in coordinating volunteers, engaging with donors, and passionately advocating for the charities that resonate deeply with her.

Having grown up on a farm, Leslie understands the critical importance of access to healthy and affordable food. This personal connection drives her commitment to addressing food insecurity in Alberta. In her spare time, she nurtures her love for animals, further grounding her passion for community. Leslie is dedicated to bringing people together, sharing essential resources, and fostering collaboration to combat food insecurity and create lasting change.

Kim Williston

FBA Projects 

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Kim is a dedicated Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Leadership. With over 30 years of experience in both government and the non-profit sector, Kim consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to community development and social equity. Her extensive background includes various roles that have allowed her to advocate for and implement meaningful changes within communities.

Kim’s passion for social justice, combined with her vast experience, makes her an invaluable asset to Food Banks Alberta. She brings a wealth of knowledge and heartfelt dedication to improving the lives of those around her. Whether working on policy development, community outreach, or direct social services, Kim’s leadership and expertise shine through, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

William Martin

Warehouse Inventory & Logistics Coordinator

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William brings a wealth of experience to his role, having managed building supply stores across British Columbia and honed his technical skills as a Red Seal pipefitter. With six years as a foreman at Shell Canada, he oversaw projects and maintained quality standards. After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, William pivoted to delivering kitchen cabinets throughout Edmonton for Civida properties, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to service.

William began his educational journey by completing his Piping Trades program at Okanagan College in 2013, which led him to Alberta for new opportunities. In November 2022, he registered at CDI College to further his expertise in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, completing the program in October 2023. Passionate about addressing food insecurity, William recognizes its profound impact on health and well-being, finding fulfillment in non-profit work as he creates meaningful change and collaborates with others committed to community improvement.

Emily Van Ee

Community and Partnerships

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Emily joined Food Banks Alberta in 2024 and brings 10 years of experience in partnerships and stakeholder engagement. With a diverse background in sports and entertainment, academia, and law enforcement, she has developed strong relationship-building skills. Emily holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Though new to the non-profit and food banking sector, Emily understands that ensuring every Albertan has food on their table is crucial. She sees FBA as a vital organization not only helping individuals in her community but also making a broader impact across the province.

Dillon Cote

Warehouse Lead Hand

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Dillon has worked in the FBA warehouse since 2023 packaging and transporting food allotments that are then shipped throughout the province. He is proud of the role he plays in supporting food banks as they feed their communities.

Paul Belanger

Driver

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Paul is a beloved member of the Food Banks Alberta team, and can be referred to as our version of Santa Claus. As our dedicated truck driver, he travels across the province each month, delivering essential food supplies to our various food bank locations. With over 10 years of service, Paul has witnessed firsthand the growth and innovation within the organization, always bringing a positive spirit and a smile to every interaction with warehouse staff.

His commitment extends beyond logistics; Paul understands the critical impact of food insecurity on communities. He believes that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and this belief fuels his passion for helping those in need. In his spare time, Paul enjoys connecting with people and sharing stories, reinforcing his dedication to building a supportive community where everyone feels valued and supported. His work is not just about delivering food; it’s about fostering hope and resilience across Alberta.

Meet Our Partners

Local Partners Helping Feed Albertans

Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger in Alberta

Food Banks in Alberta embody the ideal of making the most out of what you have been given. Through the generosity of everyday Albertans and the support of corporate and government partners, we can continue doing what needs to be done to address food insecurity in our communities with consideration, compassion, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Donate

Through donations of food, Albertans show their commitment to feeding their neighbours. Every can and box we receive is placed into the hands of someone who truly needs it.

Through monetary donations, our partners show their commitment to support the organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of those in need. 

Food banks rely on the generosity of Albertans to cool our freezers, heat our warehouses, and fuel our trucks.

Get Involved

Individuals

Volunteer support allows us to maximize our limited resources in the best ways possible. We have opportunities for every age and ability so please consider giving your time to help those in need.

Not sure where to go and what to do? Reach out to us, and we will connect you with the food bank closest to you. 

Corporate or Group Volunteering

Giving your time as a team is a great way to build relationships while doing great things for your community. We welcome both long-term and one-off volunteer teams and will work with you to ensure your group’s experience is engaging and meaningful.

apples in hands

Team Member

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Family having breakfast