Their Purpose:

The Edmonton Food Bank supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food and essential resources through a city-wide network of programs and partner agencies. As the first food bank established in Canada, it has grown into a vital community hub that served tens of thousands of Edmontonians in 2022 through emergency food hampers, meal programs, and partnerships with shelters, schools, and community organizations. Their approach has always been rooted in collaboration — partnering with grocery stores, food producers, and donors to collect surplus food and ensure no edible food goes to waste. Community members often express how impactful it is to see so many groups working together toward a shared goal of reducing hunger. People come to the Edmonton Food Bank for many reasons, such as to receive a hamper during a difficult time, access meal supports, or connect with agencies that can help address the broader challenges that contribute to poverty. Because the Edmonton Food Bank exists, individuals and families can receive help in a welcoming, dignified environment rather than going without the essentials they need.

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Edmontons food Bank provides Many srevices and programs to help underprivilaged people

• Child Advocacy: Their advocates are there to ensure a child’s needs remain everyone’s top priority.

• Forensic Interviews: A recorded conversation where the child can tell their story in a safe and comfortable environment. The interviewer is not in full formal uniform so that the child feels safe.

• Very Important Paws (VIP) Program: Captain and Cajun are there to provide comfort within the Zebra Centre and at the courthouse. Captain works with the child during the one-on-one forensic interview, while Cajun is there for the families at the courthouse. Both dogs are bred and trained by Dogs With Wings.

• Hope's Toy Closet: A very special place where children and youth’s bravery is celebrated with a new toy or gift. These new items are donated by the community and the toy closet is the last stop a young person comes in.

• Backpack Program: Every child in need leaves with the appropriate clothing, pajamas, and personal items if they have to stay the night in the city.

• Care Calls: They provide regular check-ins to offer file updates, referrals and emotional support to caregivers.

• Crisis Response: They provide 24-hour crisis response and advocacy to children who are in immediate need of intervention.

• Trauma Referrals: They connect children to trusted counseling and trauma professionals in the community.

• Court Accompaniment: Preparation and accompaniment is a key step in addressing myths or fears surrounding the court process. Children are prepared at the Zebra Centre, using a variety of tools to make the whole process less scary.

What does my donation go towards?

·       $25 Donation:  Provides 7 dozen eggs (1 dozen = $3.40) supporting 7 households and enough for 84 individual meals.

·       $50 Donation: Purchases 20 boxes of mac & cheese and supports quick, kid-friendly meals for households in crisis.

·       $75 Donation: Supplies 320 schools’ snacks for one of our 88 schools Edmonton’s Food Bank supports.

·       $100 Donation: Provides a complete “hamper starter pack” including milk, eggs, pasta sauce, canned vegetables, beans, cereal, and mac & cheese for two families.

Continuum of Support:

The Zebra Centre’s support doesn’t end when children leave the Centre. It begins before the children even step their foot in the door and never ends.

Reporting: Incidents and suspicions of child maltreatment is reported to Child Services or the Police.

Child Forensic Interview: A “talking appointment” is scheduled with the young person within seven days.

One-Week Follow-Up: A personalized care plan is established with each caregiver.

Monthly Check-Ins and Updates: Investigative and court updates are explained and emotional support is provided.

Court Preparation: A private court preparation lesson is completed and their statement is reviewed.

Court Accompaniment: A pair of advocates attend court with the family, with access to private family rooms.

Conclusion: Advocates debrief with the family, then close the file to cease regular contact.