Red Deer Food Bank celebrates 40 years

Facing challenges and adapting to change, Thursday marks the 40th anniversary of Red Deer Food Bank opening its doors to the public.

The food bank said that in the first quarter of this year, compared to 2023, the demand increased by 30 percent.

“In 2023, we distributed 11,289 dams to 27,700 people in Red Deer, an average of 940 per month,” officials said in a statement.

“These households consist of 16,950 adults and 10,750 children – 38.8 percent of our customers are under the age of 18.”

To commemorate the decades of giving, they are hosting an open house and food drive on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Neighbors caring for neighbors, cooperating agencies and all the people who have made our work possible over the past four decades,” said Mitch Thomson, executive director of the food bank.

“We honor them and their contributions throughout this anniversary year.”

(Delivered/Red Deer Food Bank)

The Food Bank invites everyone to come and learn about new programs, opportunities and services available to clients and the community at large.

These include tours of the new dining hall and class registration.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the food bank will accept cash and food donations during the event.