Best Family Program: Prince Albert Food Bank

The pandemic and inflation that followed has left a heavy burden on many families who are now forced to push their pennies even further. But one organization that has lifted people up for decades is the Prince Albert Food Bank – the 2023 Best of the Best (BOB) Award winner for ‘Best Family Program’.

Executive Director Kim Struby said the support of the community is what keeps them going.

“There are churches and other schools and businesses that do regular food drives for us and that’s what allows us to do what we do,” Scruby said.

Typically, the Prince Albert Food Bank hands out 1,100 hampers every month that help feed about 3,000 people.

“In 2022, between our hamper program and the other feeding programs, it was the equivalent of about 100,000 meals last year.”

Its no surprise that their stocked shelves empty fast. In addition to the hampers, the food bank has a partnership with the City of Prince Albert parks and recreation department to provide snacks for kids who attend the free summer program at area playgrounds.

“We also provide fresh fruit to three schools throughout the year on a regular basis and whatever else they may need,” Scruby said. “About 55 percent of the mouths we feed right now are children.”

The Northern Lights Community Development Corporation donates $10,000 per year for fresh produce to the food bank and there is some funding provided by the government of Saskatchewan’s child nutrition program, but the majority of the food bank’s budget is either fundraised or donated.

“When inflation starts diminishing the value of your income, you have no choice to still put fuel in your vehicle and pay your power bill and rent. So, food is what you can cut back on and it leaves people in a place where they may have never thought about doing it before, but now they need some help.”

And it’s not just people in need. The Prince Albert Food Bank doubles as a pet food bank as well.

Donations, whether they are monetary or canned goods, pet food or baby formula and diapers are always welcome so the Prince Albert Food Bank can continue to be the best family program in the city.

“Thanks to your support, we’re here to help.”

The Prince Albert Food Bank is located at 64 11^th St. E. You can also visit their website and follow them on Facebook. For more information call 306-763-5040.