Across Canada, hunger is no longer rare - it’s becoming the “new normal.” In March 2025, Food Banks Canada recorded nearly 2.2 million visits in a single month, double the monthly visits compared to 2019.

That means more parents feeding children, more seniors balancing bills, and more working Albertans who still struggle to put food on the table. In fact, about 1 in 5 food‑bank clients report being reliably employed, yet still rely on support.

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In Alberta alone, food-bank demand has surged: in 2025, there were an average of 210,541 food‑bank visits per month, a dramatic 21.8% increase from 2024. Children are among the most affected — many of those relying on food banks are families with kids. 

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Locally, in Cold Lake and the Lakeland Region, demand has also grown sharply. In 2024, the Cold Lake Food Bank saw a 37% increase in new clients, many turning to support for the first time. 

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Our current facility simply can’t keep up with the growing need - limited freezer and cooler space, cramped distribution and storage, and no waiting rooms or room for expanded programs or services.

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That’s why we’re launching this capital campaign. By purchasing and renovating a new permanent home and then expanding its capacity, we can:

• Store and distribute more fresh and frozen food safely, helping families access nutritious meals even when food prices rise.

• Serve many more households efficiently and with dignity.

• Build a stable, long-term resource for our community and build in the space for future food‑security programs, volunteer training, and expanded services.​

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With your support, we won’t just respond to hunger - we’ll build a foundation for hope, health, and community well‑being that lasts for decades.

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Join us. Hunger is local, so is support.

Help build a Hunger‑Free Cold Lake.