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The Alberta government has given grants to food banks this year.
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Operated by the Salvation Army, Peace River Family Services received $15,000 through the grant.
“Food banks are essential institutions in Alberta, and this funding will go a long way toward supplementing the work they do in providing for Albertans and their families. It is charitable organisations like these that make our province such a great place to live, and this funding represents a long-standing commitment this government has in supporting charities and their indispensable efforts,” says MLA Dan Williams.
Local food banks will receive $9.1 million across Alberta. A total of $20 million will be granted over two years, a decision made in November of 2022.
This was the result of current inflation. Food prices have skyrocketed in 2023, forcing individuals and families to pay much more than previously necessary.
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Canada’s food price report for 2023 states food bank use has increased by 15 percent.
It adds in 2021, 5.8 million Canadians had trouble accessing food, living in food-insecure households.
Usually, food bank use slows down during summer, but last year, no slow down was reported and food banks had their hardest time operating in 41 years.
“Our government is proud to be the first in recent history to provide support to food banks and other food security organisations. Nobody should ever need to wonder where their next meal will come from, which is why we are proud to be supporting hundreds of organisations across the province,” says Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jeremy Nixon.
Both registered and unregistered food banks receive funding. This included 210 across the province.
The High Level Native Friendship Centre Food Bank and Manning and Area Food Bank Society also received support.
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