Pembina Pipeline funding enables 31 food banks in Alberta to purchase fresh, local food
31 food banks across Alberta will be able to purchase fresh, healthy and local products thanks to funding provided by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, in partnership with Food Banks Alberta. The grant program, named the Fresh Food Fund, was initiated in 2016. Since its creation with Food Banks Alberta, the grant program has expanded to food banks across Pembina’s operations, and to date has contributed $400,000 to local food banks across in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
This grant enables food banks to purchase products such as meat, dairy and produce locally, increasing the fresh food available to their clients.
“This Fresh Food Fund grant was such an amazing addition to our hampers, as we have never had fresh fruit and vegetables to add every time. It changed everything. We now realize that this is how it has to be all of the time” said Lori Coffey, Executive Director of the Whitecourt Food Bank.
This grant funding comes at a much-needed time during the summer months, when donations of food typically drop off, though the demand remains high.
As Dave Ellery, Manager of Pembina’s Central District, explained, “We are very excited to be able to offer this grant once again to communities across the province, and to help food banks acquire fresh, nutritious, and local food. Food is such a basic need, and I can’t think of anything more important than making sure that our friends and neighbours in our communities don’t go hungry.”
Food Banks Alberta, the provincial association of food banks in Alberta, was enthusiastic to partner with Pembina Pipeline for a third year with this innovative fund.
“Due to cost, food banks are not always able to provide fresh food for their clients. With the Fresh Food Fund, food banks have the ability to provide more nutritious food to their clients, while supporting the local community. We are so thankful that Pembina recognizes the need for better access to fresh food and for their support of the food banking community,” said Stephanie Walsh-Rigby, Executive Director of Food Banks Alberta.
To learn more about the Fresh Food Fund program visit www.foodbanksalberta.ca.
Stephanie Walsh-Rigby Media Relations
Food Banks Alberta Pembina Pipeline Corporation
780-459-6893 403-691-7601 or 1-844-775-6397
