The Blackfalds Tim Hortons is once again supporting the community by dedicating its annual Smile Cookie week to the Beyond Food Community Hub. Starting April 27, 2026, and running through May 3, 100 percent of the proceeds from every cookie sold at the local restaurant will be donated to the organization to help local families manage food insecurity.
This initiative marks the third consecutive year that the Blackfalds franchise has chosen to support the hub. As one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta, with a population now exceeding 11,400, the town has seen an increasing demand for food support services. The Beyond Food Community Hub, located at 5014 Waghorn Street, provides essential resources including emergency food hampers and an affordable market.
A significant portion of the hub’s work is dedicated to children through its Lunchbox Program, which provides breakfast and lunch supplies to students. Currently, the program serves approximately 300 children every week, a figure that highlights the ongoing economic challenges facing many local households.
The campaign comes at a time of heightened need across the province. Data indicates that Alberta has experienced a sharp rise in food bank usage, with visits up 134 percent since 2019. Nationally, the Smile Cookie campaign continues to be a major charitable effort, having raised a record-breaking $22.6 million in 2025 to support over 600 charities across Canada and the United States.
Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons, noted that the annual campaign serves as an important way for local franchise owners to make a tangible impact in their own communities. Residents interested in participating can purchase a hand-decorated chocolate chunk cookie with pink and blue icing during the week-long event.
