The Parkland Food Bank’s Tri-Region Hunger Day took place on May 28 in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County, and a matching donation from an anonymous donor meant every dollar given up to $10,000 counted as two. The annual fundraiser, presented by North American Construction Group, aimed to raise $60,000 and collect 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food to help local families.
“The first $10,000 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar,” the food bank announced. “That means every early gift today goes twice as far in supporting families across Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County.” Last year’s rising food insecurity numbers highlight why this support matters. Alberta now has the highest provincial rate in Canada at 28.4%, according to recent data.
Executive Director Sheri Ratsoy has seen demand grow firsthand. “We’re feeding 900 families a month right now,” she said, “which takes over $180,000 worth of food.” Since 1984, the Parkland Food Bank has helped neighbours put food on the table. This year’s event offered both in-person and online donation options.
Several local grocery stores accepted food donations, including Walmart, Superstore, Safeway, Freson Bros, Sobeys, No Frills, and Save-On-Foods. Financial contributions could be made online through CanadaHelps or by calling the food bank directly at 780-962-4565.
The matching gift challenge was limited to the first $10,000 in donations, so early donations had the greatest impact. The food bank expects to distribute more than $250,000 worth of food this month alone as it continues serving the Tri-Region.
