The Save-On-Foods in north Lethbridge will be one of several donation drop-off sites for the AMA food drive. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Donation drive to support Lethbridge food banks as demand rises

Sep 15, 2022 | 2:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) wants to do its part to help out local food banks.

AMA Vice-President of Corporate Purpose Jane Flower says the company is partnering with Food Banks Alberta (FBA) and select grocery stores across the province to collect non-perishable food for vulnerable families.

“We saw the urgent need across the province—especially in rural areas—and reached out to Food Banks Alberta to see how we could help,” says Flower. “Nobody should have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their family’s head.”

Drop-off donation bins will be placed at the following grocery stores in Lethbridge between Friday, September 16-30, 2022:

• Safeway South, 2750 Fairway Plaza
• Safeway West, 1-550 University Dr.
• Ken’s No Frills, 425 13 St. N
• Troy’s No Frills, 4 Aquitania Blvd.
• Real Canadian Wholesale Club, 1706 Mayor Magrath Dr. SW
• Save-On-Foods North, 45-1240 2 A Ave. N
• Save-On-Foods West, 401 Highlands Blvd. W
• Real Canadian Superstore, 3515 Mayor Magrath Dr. S
• Sobeys Uplands, 327 Bluefox Blvd. N

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All proceeds from the Lethbridge food drive will go to the Interfaith Food Bank and the Lethbridge Food Bank.

Interfaith Food Bank Executive Director Danielle McIntyre says they need all the help they can get this year.

“We are still struggling with some supply chain issues, sometimes our food orders are shorted or we don’t quite get everything we asked for, and we certainly have a lot more clients right now,” says McIntyre.

She explains that a combination of high inflation and temporary COVID-19 benefits expiring have led to far more people turning to food banks in recent months.

“Groceries and fuel and utilities are so very expensive right now,” says McIntyre. “People who wouldn’t normally need us are suddenly finding themselves in a position where one extra bill is pushing them over the top and they don’t have enough money to buy their food.”

McIntyre adds that she is grateful for the support of organizations like AMA as their increased reach and resources can allow them to attract larger amounts of donations.

She says items that have higher levels of protein are in greater demand, but they appreciate any and all food donations they can get.

The two food banks also accept cash donations, which McIntyre says are more useful.

“We are purchasing things in mass quantities, so we can certainly stretch that dollar a little bit further than an individual donor could,” says McIntyre. “Not only that, we can use the money for exactly what we need.”

Food Banks Alberta says the number of food bank users across the province has increased by at least 30% since 2019.

READ MORE: Food bank usage rising in Lethbridge and across Alberta

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