As of March 20, 2026, the Red Deer Food Bank Society is looking for local volunteers to help run its new grocery store-style service in Red Deer, Alberta. This new setup changes how the organization helps people by moving away from pre-packaged food boxes and allowing residents to pick out the items they need themselves.
The food bank is making this change to give people a more efficient and respectful shopping experience. Instead of receiving a standard hamper, clients can now walk through the aisles and select their own food, which helps reduce waste and ensures families get what they will actually use.
Community support is needed because the number of people using the food bank has grown significantly in recent years. Between 2019 and late 2025, the organization saw a 140 percent increase in visits from residents across the region.
According to the Red Deer Food Bank, volunteers are needed to help keep shelves stocked and assist people as they navigate the new shopping floor. These roles are essential to keeping the new model running smoothly as the facility manages the high demand for food support.
