Redwater Food Bank a beacon of hope

By Brandie Majeau
The Redwater Fellowship of Churches Food Bank has experienced an
unprecedented increase in demand in 2024, with a 75% rise in clients compared to 2032. This surge has placed significant strain on current volunteers, many of whom are
over the age of sixty-five. The physical demands of stocking and packing boxes and
bags are becoming increasingly challenging, in addition to the demands of regulations
or certain limitations out of their control.
It can be difficult to maintain optimism during these times. Many clients request
food items that are not readily available. For example, mayonnaise is not a staple food
item but a stock item that depends on donations. There is also increased pressure to
accommodate the diverse dietary needs of clients seeking assistance. Unfortunately,
there is often a lack of variety in donations, making it challenging to provide specific
food products, varieties of rice or pasta, or other culturally relevant food options. Over
80% of the food bank’s 2024 budget has already been used, ensuring that just the
staple products and all four food groups are maintained and provided.
Volunteers also discussed the impact of the provincial government’s efforts to
encourage growth and attract new residents to rural areas. In theory, this is great,
however, newcomers sometimes face significant challenges upon relocating to these
small communities. Many individuals who visit the food bank come in feeling frustrated,
and as a last resort, needing assistance. Some have found that their housing situations
have fallen through or that although there are plenty of jobs advertised , transportation
limitations confine them to these rural areas where opportunities may be scarce. The
Redwater Food Bank feels the added pressure to support new residents who find
themselves in situations they were not expecting. “And then you think you are doing
your best and an email shows up being told that you aren’t helping.” They feel that, on a
provincial and federal level, the Canadian government needs to understand the unique
challenges it is facing.
Families struggle, and seniors are opting to skip meals to survive. Yet, with the
heaviness of these challenges, Redwater Fellowship of Churches Food Bank pushes on
with an unparalleled passion to do what they can. Thinking outside the box, the team
collaborates with various partners and supporters to provide healthy meals and a robust
support system for clients in need. They dedicate personal time to print out recipes and
work directly with individuals, teaching them how to incorporate something like fresh
zucchini into their meals or enhance a package of Sidekicks by adding a portion of
cooked meat to create a full dinner. They truly go above and beyond what is expected.

What is truly remarkable happens behind the scenes. Dedicated volunteers are
constantly busy maintaining and tracking inventory, fulfilling grocery lists, and answering
phone calls. They are an incredible blessing. Susan Krochter also expresses her
gratitude to FCSS in Thorhild and Redwater, describing them as the most amazing and
caring people to work with. She admits she would be lost without their support and
dedication, especially in assisting food bank clients outside of scheduled work time.
The food bank owes its success to the overwhelming support of the Town of
Redwater, its sponsors, and the generous donations from individuals and organizations,
whether monetary, shelf-stable food, produce, or beyond. Words of thanks hardly suffice
to express the difference each contribution makes to this organization.
The Redwater Fellowship of Churches Food Bank currently feeds over 2,800
people, which means they are essentially feeding the population of Redwater plus an
additional 500 individuals, encompassing clients from Redwater, Thorhild, Radway,
Newbrook, Egremont, Abee, Sturgeon County, and Waskatenau. New donations are
always welcome, and they are continuously seeking new sponsors.