Food Banks Alberta is dedicated to supporting food banks across the province during emergencies and disasters.
By providing resources and support, we ensure that affected communities and their hosts can effectively manage both the immediate and extended challenges posed by these emergencies.
Our commitment is unwavering, regardless of the emergency’s scale, safeguarding those in need during critical times.
Food Banks Alberta actively maintains a readiness to respond to emergencies by collecting and storing essential supplies year-round. Our proactive approach ensures that we are prepared to address food insecurity during any crisis.
As a provincial leader, we stockpile not only food—such as water, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals—but also vital non-food items like personal hygiene products, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These items are shelf-stable and prepared for immediate deployment at the first sign of an emergency.
For items not currently in our inventory, we leverage our extensive network of partners and donors to meet the diverse and urgent needs of communities in crisis.
Transporting food during emergencies presents unique challenges, particularly when traditional routes are disrupted, especially in rural and remote areas. Food Banks Alberta has established a robust network of transportation partners to ensure we can reach any part of the province quickly and efficiently. Our plans include specific strategies for moving resources from our storage sites to the affected areas, ensuring swift and safe delivery.
Upon arrival, we collaborate closely with local food banks and municipal authorities to set up distribution points that are both safe and accessible. This process involves organizing the necessary storage facilities for cold and bulk items and setting up a fair and efficient food distribution system. We actively manage and adjust logistics based on ongoing assessments of the community’s needs and the evolving situation.
After the emergency, we carefully manage any remaining supplies, reallocating excess resources back to storage or to other regions that may need support, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Food Banks Alberta collaborates closely with the Government of Alberta to ensure that resources are rapidly mobilized during emergencies. We maintain an advanced communication and tracking system allowing real-time information exchange with the province.
This partnership facilitates swift resource allocation and supports our proactive measures in emergency preparedness.
With core funding from the Government, we establish critical food reserves, secure additional supplies, and arrange transport to meet immediate needs, ensuring our readiness to support all member food banks and maintain business continuity during crises.
As an active participant in the Non-Government Organization Council of Alberta, Food Banks Alberta is at the forefront of a coordinated emergency response.
Our involvement ensures access to a broad network of resources and expertise, enabling timely and effective food support and supply distribution wherever and whenever emergencies occur.
For more information on the NGO Council, visit: NGO Council Website
During emergencies, the rapid and accurate dissemination of information is vital. Food Banks Alberta (FBA) serves as the central hub for all communications concerning the needs of Alberta’s food banks, streamlining the allocation of resources to those most in need. This centralization ensures a coordinated response among government and community stakeholders, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of resource distribution during crises.
We provide the essential systems that allow member food banks to communicate their specific needs to government and social agencies in real-time. This immediate communication ensures that the actual needs of communities are met promptly, making the overall response efforts more cohesive and targeted.
FBA also offers a platform for member food banks to exchange best practices and develop robust emergency response plans. In 2024, we established the FBA Emergency Events Working Group, which includes members and partners focused on enhancing emergency preparedness and response across the province. This group meets regularly to address critical questions:
These discussions are vital in driving innovations and improvements in our emergency response strategies
In times of crisis, every second and every dollar counts. Your donation to Food Banks Alberta enables us to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies, providing immediate relief to those hit hardest by disasters.
Support our emergency efforts today; your generosity is the backbone of our rapid response capability. Donate now and make a direct impact on the lives of Albertans during their most challenging times.
