FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Food Banks Alberta Invites Albertans to Join Together at The Table on Family Day
Albertans are Invited to Unite for a Chili Dinner and Free Virtual Show in Support of 108 Community Food Banks Across Alberta
FEBRUARY 17, 2021 (Leduc, AB): Food Banks Alberta is bringing Albertans together for a bowl of chili on February 21, launching its first-ever Together At The Table event. The event aims to highlight the 29.3% increase in food bank use within the province over the past year, and to remind Albertans that food banks are ready to help – whenever and wherever they are needed.
Food Banks Alberta is hosting the virtual event at 6 PM on Family Day. The event includes several special guests, including:
 | ALEXIS HILLYARDCreator of Edmonton’s Stump Kitchen, Alexis will be doing a live cooking demonstration showing families how they can cook up their own vegan and healthy chili dish at home using ingredients commonly found at community food banks. |
 | MICHAEL BOURADAAcclaimed magician and mentalist, Michael Bourada Michael is a full-time professional magician in Ottawa, featured at over 250 shows annually and has 20 years of experience; he’s undeniably become one of the best magicians in Ottawa. He has been seen on international TV, such as Netflix, Hulu and much more. He also has a whopping following of more than 1,000,000 people on TikTok who tune in daily to watch his fun and interactive magic. He will be doing a live and family-friendly virtual show as part of the Together at the Table event. |
Together At The Table Event Details:
- Monday, February 21, 2022 (Family Day)
- 6 PM – 7 PM
- Event is free, and being held virtually at TogetherAtTheTable.ca
Why Chili?
“The answer is simple. Chili has cowboy roots, just like Alberta. It’s a simple, hearty, and soul-filling dish that can be enjoyed after a long day of family-centered activities like skating or snowshoeing. The best part? Chili ingredients are readily available in food bank hampers,” says Arianna Scott, CEO of Food Banks Alberta.
Food Banks Alberta has partnered with Loblaws’ Independent Grocer and City Market locations across the province to make the chili even heartier. From now until Family Day, a shopper can purchase chili ingredients for a food bank family in their community for just $10. All donations raised in the local stores remain directly in their communities.
If getting creative in the kitchen isn’t an option for shoppers, they can purchase a prepared cup of chili in Loblaws’ Independent Grocer and City Market deli locations on February 21, with $3 from every purchase being donated to the food banks in that store’s community.
“Loblaws and Independent Grocer locations across the province have been so supportive of our food banks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Scott. “They’ve really gone above and beyond in their enthusiasm to activate the campaign in each local store, and made it so simple to shop. We are so thankful for their support.”
“Since last May, we have raised $62,000 in support of our local food bank. We are community-raised, community-driven, and community-focused. Being in downtown Edmonton, we have seen the challenges that face our communities, and we want to help.” says Stella He, Franchise Owner of Loblaw City Market, Edmonton. “We know that one in eight Edmontonians are living in poverty, and 44,500 children access the food bank across the province. We are parents of two children, and we understand just how tough it can be. We want to help out however we can.”
“We really encourage all Albertans to come out and participate in Together At The Table. Bring your family, share your family’s secret chili recipe, and celebrate the strength and resiliency of our community over the past 24 months, says Scott. “It’s been a tough couple of years, and this is a great way to enjoy a meal with your friends and neighbours while enjoying some entertainment and celebrating Family Day.”
Albertans are feeling the pinch of rising costs in 2022 – at the pump, at the grocery store, and on their utility bills. Together At The Table aims to reassure Albertans that reaching out for help is okay, and that communities across the province are there to support.
Albertans interested in joining the event can find out more information and the link to participate at www.togetheratthetable.ca.
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