For over 30 years, the Redwater Food Bank has been supporting the community

By Brandie Majeau

The Redwater Fellowship of Churches Food Bank was established in 1992 when five major churches in
the town of Redwater saw the need for a food bank. As they witnessed community members struggling
financially, there was a powerful desire to ensure that no one would go hungry. Presently, they serve
Redwater, Thorhild County, a portion of Sturgeon County, and a handful of clients in outlying areas. As a
staple of the community for over thirty years, the Redwater Food Bank is only successful due to the
amazing time and dedication of its current eighteen volunteers and the overwhelming support of local
schools, individuals, businesses, organizations, the Town of Redwater, and County of Thorhild.

Chairperson, Susan Krochter, stated, “We would be lost without the generosity of our supporters.” She
continued to expound on the incredible donations they receive as businesses and schools encourage
each other with friendly competitions, as well as communities and organizations factoring financial
donations to the food bank during their annual budgeting. Krochter also explained their gratitude to the
local IGA for continually supplying them with bread and baked goods, North Bank Potatoes for their
constant stock of potatoes, Food Banks Alberta for the majority of their eggs, and the Food Banks
Alberta warehouse out of Leduc, ensuring they have the opportunity to purchase bulk items at reduced
costs. These are not the only contributors that allow the Redwater Food Bank to supply those in need of
a helping hand, and Krochter expressed her gratitude to each and every donor; they are too numerous
to name.

Redwater Food Bank is also extremely fortunate to be able to receive local meat for their inventory.
After countless hours and paperwork, farmers may now donate beef, poultry, and pork as long as it has
the registered butcher shop’s stamp. Hunters may also donate wild game under these conditions if their
hunt proved plentiful. Local gardeners with an abundance of harvest may also contribute fresh, cleaned
vegetables. This is a huge win for the food bank as it continues an ongoing battle to meet the needs of
the community. Since 2022, there has been a 45% increase in clientele. What is disheartening to note is
that approximately 36% of their clients are now seniors. Due to the cost-of-living increases (groceries,
utilities, housing), many seniors are being forced to ask for assistance. Susan Krochter noted that she has
helped many of these clients, and they are reluctant and slightly uncomfortable, saying they have never
needed a handout before.

Krochter has also noticed the struggle for families, making choices between necessities and which of
these necessities need to take priority. A mother may sacrifice women’s care products to provide
breakfast for her children. These are not choices that anyone should have to make. “It is sometimes
challenging to keep focus and think outside the box,” Krochter explained. As demand for Redwater Food
Bank services increases, they collaborate with clients on pensions, disability, AISH, etc., to develop
thirty-day cycles to utilize their income to its fullest and use the food bank to fill in the gaps. However,

the food bank is not a sustainable answer. It can only provide a maximum of ten days’ worth of food
once every thirty days.

The strain is evident in these communities. The food bank is now also seeing an increase of multi-
generational families utilizing their support. Aging parents are allowing their adult children to move back
in with them, many of these children having their own families to support. Krochter said this was seen
more during COVID as many individuals lost their jobs due to pandemic measures and now is being seen
as people are stretched beyond their means and struggling to maintain growing costs. There are
households of 6, 8, or more people in need. She also spoke of people in the communities going hungry,
refusing to admit they need help.

The discussion with Susan Krochter gave a glimpse behind the scenes of a non-profit, charitable
organization going beyond to work with clients. Their dedication to finding and utilizing previously
untapped resources is astonishing. The support of the community is equally unmatched. Not only are
financial contributions and item donations helping to maintain this organization, but Pembina Place also
gave them a space to use free of rent, in addition to access to a commercially inspected kitchen that is
utilized to repackage bulk items such as flour in smaller portions. Local industry and support have also
led to the purchase of commercial and domestic fridges and freezers, allowing the storage and
distribution of perishable items. Susan Krochter repeatedly referred to the volunteers as a “wonderful
group!” affectionately referring to them as her “elves.” However, non-stop volunteers are needed and
always appreciated. And as the holiday season approaches, Krochter is thankful for the abundance it
brings to their shelves and asks that people continue to think of the Redwater Food Bank throughout the
year.