Mission Statement
To help our neighbours, one meal at a time.
Thank you for your Sponsorship & Support!
The Largest Food Bank Drive of its Kind in Canada
We are absolutely thrilled about the incredible success of the 2023 Rotary Community Food Bank Drive.
The Need is Out There
Globally, due to inflation and food security issues, food bank use has grown substantially in recent years. In 2023, the Grande Prairie and area Salvation Army Community Food Bank gave out 6,000-7,000 hampers — more than doubling the hamper numbers of 2016. The community kitchen has seen a similar influx of those needing a meal.
With rising food costs, many people and families are having to stretch their dollars further to offset food insecurity. In many cases, this can look like some going without meals entirely.
For almost 30 years, the Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie have led the annual Food Bank Drive campaign to collect food for the Community Food Bank. From these years, we understand that, sadly, the need is not going away. Seeing the increase in need amongst the communities in the Grande Prairie area only highlights why this work must continue: to help our neighbours, one meal at a time.
Our Work
What began as a brown paper bag in the weekend newspaper has grown into a door-to-door campaign, collecting donations of food and hygiene products necessary for those in need. Requested items include:
- Healthy, non-perishable items, including canned protein (e.g. fish, legumes), canned fruits and vegetables, hearty soups, and school snacks.
- Unopened personal hygiene items (e.g. toothbrushes, feminine products).
- Baby items (e.g. non-perishable food, pampers and formula).
The Food Bank Drive is held once a year during the fall, with hundreds of volunteers travelling on multiple routes throughout Grande Prairie and outlying communities. Collections always take place after 6 p.m., ensuring enough time for people to get settled at home (don’t worry, we won’t stay long so you can quickly get back to your evening).
The Impact
Historically, the Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie have had up to 1,000 volunteers come out, both Rotarians and those from other local service clubs looking to get involved. It’s a wonderful thing to see all of the coordination come together and the results they bring.
Volunteers fan out following the various mapped routes for the drive. Though collections don’t start until 6 p.m., everyone’s goal is to complete their routes by 7 p.m. Donations are brought back to one meeting place, determined ahead of time each year, where we all work together to unload the donations.
With teamwork, unloading typically only lasts another hour or two, resulting in a collection of anywhere from 30-50 tonnes of food. These donations go on to feed and supply 1000s of families in the region for the holiday season.
How Can You Support?
A little can go a long way when we work together — and the little ways can look different for each person!
Here’s how you can support the Food Bank Drive:
Volunteer
Always needed and always appreciated. This is one evening for volunteers to come together and focus on one defined task together. It’s a night of immense impact in a short period of time.
Planning for the 2024 Food Bank Drive is underway!
Have we piqued your interest? Use the form below to sign up or email foodbank@gprotary.com to learn more.
Donate In-person
If you’re on our route during Drive day, we’ll gladly accept non-perishables, personal hygiene, and baby products!
On the chance that we miss you, or if you want to make regular in-person contributions, donations are accepted year-round at a Salvation Army collection bin near you.
Virtual Shopping Cart
We’re incredibly proud to offer the Virtual Shopping Cart! You decide where your financial contributions go — purchase fruits and veggies, pantry staples, or a Christmas dinner — depending on how much you choose to contribute.
Payment is accepted through Square. We hope you enjoy browsing the Virtual Store!
Who to Contact
Lori Pollock, Chair, Rotary Community Food Bank Drive
Peter Kim, Captain, The Salvation Army