The Alberta government has injected $10 million into tackling food security across Alberta. (CHAT News file photo))

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

FOOD SECURITY

Alberta unlocks $10M to tackle food security, applications open this month

Nov 6, 2023 | 3:05 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta government is injecting $10 million into the effort to tackle food security in the face of high grocery prices, a fresh round of funding for food banks and community organizations across the province.

The money is part of the government’s commitment to deliver adequate, ongoing funding to ensure that Alberta families can put nutritious food on their tables, officials said.

“Nobody should ever be left wondering where their next meal will come from,” said minister of seniors, community and social services Jason Nixon from a food bank in Edmonton.

“With this funding, more Albertans across the province will have access to critical supports to get the food they need,” Nixon added.

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“The rising cost of living has put increased pressures on many communities across the province and our government will continue to have Albertans backs.”

Food banks will receive $3.7 million this month, with $900,000 of that piece of the funding already provided to the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta to give out through food security grants and shelters.

An additional $4.1 million has been allocated for food security grants. Applications to access that funding will open this month to organizations promoting food security, including smaller organizations that provide culturally appropriate food.

Food Banks Alberta will receive $2.2 million to develop a program that will coordinate the needs of food banks and related operators during emergency needs such as natural disasters.

The executive director of Food Banks Alberta, Shawna Bissell, said her organization makes the most of what they receive.

“Food banks in Alberta embody the ideal of making the very most out of what you have been given,” Bissell said.

“Through the generosity of everyday Albertans and the support of our government, we can continue this work of doing what needs to be done to address food insecurity in our communities with consideration, compassion, efficiency, and effectiveness.”

Alberta has allocated $26 million for tackling food security since 2020.