New clients add pressure at Crowsnest Food Bank

Overall use of the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank has remained relatively stable this year, but an increase in new clients and dwindling provincial supplies are creating added pressure ahead of the colder months.

Food bank manager Gaby Islas said monthly hamper distribution in 2026 has been similar to last year. However, the organization has already registered 69 new clients this year.

The increase suggests more residents are experiencing food insecurity for the first time, even though the total number of people using the food bank has not changed substantially.

“Even when overall numbers appear stable, the pressures behind the scenes are significant,” Islas said.

She identified high grocery prices, rising housing costs and limited access to affordable essentials as the primary factors driving demand. Those pressures are affecting people from a range of backgrounds, including households with employment income.

“Many households, including working families, are finding it increasingly difficult to stretch their budgets,” Islas said.

Demand is expected to increase as temperatures fall. Colder weather brings higher heating, transportation and clothing expenses, leaving less money available for groceries.

Across Alberta, food banks are also facing problems obtaining enough products to meet demand.

Food Banks Alberta’s provincial warehouse supplies 112 member organizations, including the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. The organization distributed 3.36 million pounds of food during 2025 and, in the first six months of 2026, had already distributed nearly 90 per cent of that amount. August shipments were reportedly 32.8 per cent higher than during the same month last year.

The provincial organization has warned that products are leaving its warehouse faster than donations are arriving to replace them. Much of its inventory comes from manufacturers, food processors, agricultural producers and retailers, but corporate donations have not kept pace with demand.

Islas said the shortage could have a direct impact locally because the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank relies on monthly allotments from Food Banks Alberta.

“Without that support, our food bank could face shortages in certain staple items as well,” she said.

Community donations have remained steady, but they do not always match what the food bank requires. Items currently in demand include peanut butter, canned meat and other proteins, pasta, rice, cereal and oatmeal.

Financial donations are also encouraged because they allow the food bank to purchase particular products as shortages arise.

Residents can leave donations at Crowsnest IGA, the Red Apple Store or Servus Credit Union. Food and financial contributions can also be delivered directly to the food bank at 11910 19 Avenue in Blairmore or made through its website.

The food bank accepts donations Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hamper pickup is offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Residents interested in donating or volunteering can call 403-564-5110.

Islas said food insecurity can affect anyone and emphasized that local donations remain in the community.

“Every donation — food, funds or volunteer time — directly supports local individuals and families,” she said. “Our goal is to offer dignified, reliable support to anyone who needs it.”