Wood Buffalo Food Bank Hosts First Major Food Drive in 2 Years | The Canadian News

When floods devastated Fort McMurray in the spring of 2020, Canadians stepped up to help the community in any way they could.

“We got 700,000 pounds of food,” said Dan Edwards, CEO of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.

“We were able to ride that 700,000-pound wave to get through those times when we couldn’t organize a food drive.”

Now that supply is decreasing. If multiple waves of COVID-19 are taken into account, the number of people who relied on the food bank has grown steadily.

“Then we moved, so now we’re settling in and we’re in a place where we were able to organize a food drive again,” Edwards explained.

This weekend, the food bank organized its first food drive since 2019.

They tried to organize one last Christmas season, but because they couldn’t have volunteers, only about 8,000 pounds of food was raised. As for this weekend, his goal was £ 80,000.

“About 600 volunteers are needed to run this event,” Edwards said.

“AHS has worked with us to help us keep going, stay open as an emergency service, and work with volunteers.”

This service is vital to the city, as Edwards explained that the food bank generally distributes 600 baskets each month and they are on track to continue meeting that need.

Fortunately, supply chain concerns due to the situation in British Columbia have yet to affect the food bank, according to Edwards. He adds, though, it could be a matter of weeks before they feel the impact.

“There are some other shortages. The turkey shortage has been a problem and there is a shortage of pasta … but that was created by other factors. “

That said, Edwards hopes to help BC in some way once they get back to normal levels.

“Everyone across the country came and supported us when we were in trouble with the fires and the floods,” he said.

“We want to be able to give back, we just need to be able to take care of ours for today.”

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