In April, the Chestermere Regional Food Bank (CRFB) moved into their new home located in the Chestermere Business Park on Rainbow Road.
The new and much larger space was generously provided by George Trutina, President of Truman Homes and couldn’t have come at better time says Mardi Oel, President of the CRFB, “Chestermere is rapidly growing and so is the need for our services, especially because we cover quite a large area of Rocky View as well.”
Finishing touches are still being done to the 1,853 square-foot warehouse and office but it has already been put to good use by serving approximately 4 clients per week since opening. “We have a lot more space here and we want to fill this food bank” says Oel enthusiastically. The original room that the Food Bank occupied in the Rec Centre was a mere 400 square-feet, less than a quarter of the size of the new location.
As she stands inside the warehouse which offers room to grow, Oel talks about the impact having this space will have on the food bank and those who rely on it. “We now have room for a commercial fridge and freezer which we hope to have soon because that means the ability to provide fresh produce and dairy products to our clients.”
CRFB is involved in the community garden and a commercial fridge would allow them to store the food after harvest before distributing to clients. “We also receive milk donations from time to time and of course it’s nice to have a place to hold onto any donated turkeys at Christmas and Thanksgiving.” CRFB is accepting cash donations toward the purchase of the much needed commercial fridge.
When they first took possession and moved into the new location the shelves were empty but with the help of students and staff at Our Lady of Wisdom School who held a food drive in March, they quickly began to fill up. However, not unlike our own pantries, it doesn’t take long to empty again.
This is why the Food Bank, in partnership with No Frills Grocery Store on Rainbow Road will be holding a community Food Drive. “Fill the Food Bank” is an initiative to fill 40 grocery carts with non-perishable food items. The event will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am – 5:00pm at No Fills on 100 Rainbow Road. Everyone is invited to come out and help fill the food bank.
Volunteers are the heart of the Food Bank. Over 50 hardworking volunteers pick up, sort, assemble and distribute donations. They always welcome new individuals, families or groups interested in helping to run the Food Bank or volunteer in the community garden. “We would like to thank so any people for making this move a success but especially the Chestermere Lions and Rotary Club for all their efforts as well as Mr. Truman for his tremendous support” says Oel.
CRFB will be accepting food as well as cash donations at the Food Drive. For more information, please visit the website at www.chestermerefoodbank.com.
