Red Deer Food Bank in the news.
We’ve had so much happening this year in so many ways, and it’s captured some media attention.
Because of social media restrictions in being able to share news stories, it made sense to collect some of our coverage with active links here on our blog, and share this post out to our donors, volunteers, and other “cheerleaders” in the community.
Here are some of the highlights from the first 6 months of 2024.
Starting the new year… The need and the news
We had a lot of activity happening near the end of 2023 that spilled over into the new year, not the least of which was the obvious and growing need for financial support and food donations. We also formed a new partnership with Meals On Wheels Red Deer, providing healthy midday meals to people unable to prepare or obtain one for themselves.
01/24/2024 - Central Alberta Online: Working to meet increasing demand
01/31/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: A busy year ahead
02/05/2024 - Central Alberta Online: Meals On Wheels partnership
02/29/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: School snack donations needed
Coldest night of the year
This year was our first ever Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, as we partnered with the Mustard Seed Red Deer to raise money we would need to purchase food supplies for our hampers this spring.
01/10/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk
02/23/2024 - Red Deer News Now: Coldest Night of the Year returns
03/03/2024 - Ponoka News: Thousands raised at Coldest Night of the Year
hydroponic development
Expect more updates as the seacans take their place at the Food Bank and come into production this summer.
03/28/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Hydroponics help feed clients
40th Anniversary Drive-Thru Food Drive
April 11, 2024 marked the official 40th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Red Deer Food Bank. In partnership with the Church of Latter Day Saints and their annual city-wide food drive, an Open House and “Drive Thru Food Drive” took place on Saturday, April 13.
04/09/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Open House on Saturday
04/11/2024 - CTV News Calgary: Milestone weekend event
04/14/2024 - Red Deer News Now: 40 years of helping community
05/08/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Demand climbs and cash donations fall
Kitchen 49
With the new teaching kitchen operational, Meg and Maia are excited to share the programs and offers to clients and the general public in this new space. Corporate and group bookings will be offered soon along with “themed'“ packages, in addition to individual class registrations.
06/10/2024 - CTV Edmonton: Teaching clients how to cook
06/07/2024 - Central Albeta Online: Making the most out of food hampers
06/07/2024 - Red Deer News Now: New educational experience
Poverty Report Card
Food Banks Canada released its annual Poverty Report Cards for the nation at the end of May. While all Food Banks are under tremendous pressure in recent years, the Red Deer Food Bank is taking on a number of initiatives in order to provide solutions for a long-term vision. Read more on our own blog post here.
05/28/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Alberta gets a D-
co-op community spaces grant
Our most recent announcement is that of being awarded a $150,000 Co-op Community Spaces grant to build an indoor food farm, capable of producing nearly one million cherry tomatoes a year to add to our emergency food hampers as a means of providing fresh produce for clients. Read our blog post here.
06/12/2024 - Red Deer Advocate: Food bank receives $150,000 Co-op Community Spaces grant
06/13/2024 - HortiDaily: Indoor Food Farm
06/17/2024 - Red Deer News Now: Co-op Community Spaces grant
It’s been a busy six months! Let’s see what happens in the last six months of our 40th year!