As families across Canada prepare for a season of peace and plenty, the Edson Food Bank Society is seeing a steady increase in the number of individuals it serves each month.
In September this year, the Edson food bank served 722 individuals, up from 672 in 2025. Of those individuals, 265 were children, up from 210 in 2025. This client base also included 292 different households, up from 273 last year.
Amy Pillage, Program Coordinator, said this was the organization’s busiest September on record.
“Things are getting worse, and we are feeling the pinch,” she commented.
In addition to more community members needing assistance, grocery prices have also gone up, making each hamper more expensive to provide.
Pillage shared that the total retail cost of the 25 staple items in their non-perishable hampers has risen to $186 from $135 last year. On top of rising costs, donations are also down, Pillage said, a sign of current affordability challenges.
“We’re feeling the pinch because we’re still spending upwards of $25,000 a month at the grocery store to keep our shelves full,” she explained. “Those donations coming in really help offset that, and now that we’re not getting those donations, we’re worried we’re going to have to be shelling more out of pocket, maybe closer to $30,000 to meet the demand to fill the shelves.”
Despite the increased need, Pillage said the food bank is providing the same amount of food it always has.
“I don’t want anybody to be deterred from using the food bank just because we’re busy,” she commented. “We do have more than enough to go around and we would hate for anybody to hesitate using our services just because they think they maybe don’t qualify. If you’re hungry, you qualify.”
As the holiday season approaches, Pillage said multiple schools have already reached out with plans to hold donation drives. For those planning to participate, or looking to donate regardless, the items they struggle to stock the most are Campbell’s Chunky soups, juice, jam or preserves, ramen noodles and Kraft Dinner.
Donation items can be dropped off at any of the five locations across Edson, located at Sobeys, Your Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, Edson Pharmacy Remedy Rx, or the Timberjack Home Hardware Building Centre. Monetary donations can also be made through the Edson Food Bank Society website.
Data outlining the number of individuals served by the Edson Food Bank Society in September 2026 compared to September 2025. (Edson Food Bank Society/Supplied)
