Community Spotlight: Edmonton Food Bank

Park Memorial Funeral Home hosts a Christmas Memorial Service every December to give the families that we have served over the past few years, as well as the community-at-large, the opportunity to gather together to remember their loved ones who have passed away. 

For the past two years, we decided to support three local organizations while also allowing our families to pay meaningful tribute to their loved ones via our memorial donation. In order to choose which organizations we would support, we first gave our staff family a list of local organizations and asked them to vote on their top three. The vote netted that Roozen Family Hospice Centre – Pilgrims Hospice, Edmonton Food Bank, and Aspen Service Dogs would be the benefitting organizations. We then gave each individual who RSVP’d for the service the opportunity to choose which of the three charities would best honour their loved one with our memorial donation.

On January 18th a few members of our staff family delivered the corporate donation as well as the list of loved ones that each donation honoured to each of the three organizations. Each organization gave some time to our team to explain more about who and how they serve, and answer our questions about their impact in the community, how this memorial donation will help them, and what the greatest needs of the organization are at present. Here is the story of our time with Edmonton Food Bank:

At Park Memorial Funeral Home, our commitment to community extends beyond providing compassionate funeral services. Each year, we endeavour to honor the memory of our community's departed loved ones while supporting local organizations that enrich the lives of Edmontonians. In line with this tradition, we are proud to spotlight the Edmonton Food Bank, an indispensable lifeline for thousands of individuals and families in our city.

Serving with Compassion and Dedication

The Edmonton Food Bank operates from a sprawling 30,000 square foot warehouse, a testament to their scale and impact. Since their inception, the demand for their services has surged exponentially. In 2022, they assisted an average of 30,000 people per month, a number that rose to 34,000 in 2023, solely through the distribution of individual hampers. Over the past decade, the need for their services has doubled and a half, highlighting the critical role they play in our community's welfare.

A Nutritious Bounty for Every Household

A typical hamper from the Edmonton Food Bank isn't just a collection of non-perishable items; it's a testament to their dedication to providing wholesome nourishment. Each hamper contains staples like pasta, pasta sauce, and beans, supplemented by fresh produce donated by food industry partners. Moreover, every hamper is ensured to include essentials like peanut butter, eggs, and milk, items the Food Bank procures specifically to bolster the nutritional value of their offerings.



Beyond Food: Addressing Essential Needs

Recognizing that hunger isn't the only challenge facing vulnerable households, the Edmonton Food Bank goes the extra mile to support the holistic well-being of their clients. Personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorants, are available upon request, whenever supplies permit. Additionally, they provide pet food and items, sourced from generous grocers and pet agencies, understanding the importance of caring for every member of the family, furry or otherwise.

Volunteerism: The Heartbeat of the Food Bank

Volunteers form the backbone of the Edmonton Food Bank, contributing their time and energy to ensure its smooth operation. In 2022 alone, volunteers dedicated a staggering 118,000 hours to support their mission. Remarkably, some individuals, like one full-time volunteer who has served for a decade, epitomize the spirit of selflessness that defines the Food Bank's community. Whether sorting donations, assembling hampers, or assisting with food drives, volunteers play a vital role in addressing hunger in our city.

How You Can Make a Difference

As with any organization reliant on community support, the Edmonton Food Bank has specific needs to fulfill its mission effectively. In addition to financial contributions, which are always appreciated, they have identified primary needs such as baby diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6) and canned dinners. Furthermore, they welcome both individual and groups of volunteers, offering opportunities to engage directly with their vital work.

Join Us in Supporting the Edmonton Food Bank

As we come together to commemorate the lives of our departed loved ones, let us also rally behind organizations like the Edmonton Food Bank, whose tireless efforts nourish our community's body and soul. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Together, let's ensure that no one in our city goes hungry.



For more information on how you can support the Edmonton Food Bank, visit their website or reach out to their team directly. Let's make a difference, one hamper at a time.