Family Services of Central Alberta

The Cause

Food insecurity has become an increasing challenge in Red Deer and area, with many families of all economic status struggling to afford healthy, fresh food. The economic pressures from rising costs of living, combined with limited income, have forced many to rely on cheaper, processed foods. This contributes to poor health outcomes and exacerbates long-term issues such as chronic illness, malnutrition, and food inequality. We are proposing a program that is modeled after The Good Food Box program in Calgary where we aim to address food insecurity in Red Deer by providing affordable, fresh, and nutritious food to families and individuals. Through bulk purchasing and community partnerships, the program will help participants stretch their food dollars, improve access to healthy food, and promote overall well-being. We are seeking funding to launch and sustain the Good Food Box program, ensuring that our community has the resources needed to support low-income families, seniors, and individuals facing financial hardships'. As a social impact organization working in the area of early intervention and prevention, we have noticed a growing demand for affordable food programs. The Good Food Box will help alleviate some of the financial burden on families while promoting healthier eating habits.

Who Will it Benefit?

A program like the Good Food Box would benefit a wide range of individuals and families in the community, particularly those facing food insecurity and financial challenges. We know that the Red Deer Food Bank and other community agencies have reported increased demand for services in recent years. Red Deer Food Bank saw a 20-30% increase in usage in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic years. They regularly serve around 2,500 to 3,000 individuals per month, with a notable portion being children. Recent stats tell us food insecurity affects about 1 in 6 households in Alberta, with low-income families, single-parent households, and Indigenous communities being particularly vulnerable. According to the most recent data (2021 Census), approximately 8-10% of Red Deer's population is living in poverty. This is slightly higher than Alberta’s average poverty rate of around 7.2% and close to the national average of about 8.1%. Children in Red Deer face higher poverty rates than the general population. In Alberta, about 1 in 6 children live in poverty, and Red Deer's numbers reflect this trend, with certain neighborhoods experiencing even higher levels of child poverty. Rising inflation, especially in housing and food costs, has exacerbated poverty levels in Red Deer. Many households that were previously above the poverty line are now struggling to meet basic needs due to these economic pressures.
Low-Income Families struggling to afford nutritious food due to limited income can access affordable, healthy options, helping them stretch their food budget and improve their diets. Including single parents, Seniors on fixed income, and people with disabilities.
Many people on fixed incomes find it difficult to afford fresh, healthy foods. This program would help them maintain a balanced diet, would give them access to healthy foods they might otherwise not afford.
Ensuring children have access to nutritious food is crucial for their growth and development. The program can help address food insecurity among children, leading to better health and educational outcomes.
People who have recently lost jobs or are going through tough economic times could benefit from the program to maintain access to healthy food while reducing financial stress.
Vulnerable populations, such as newcomers, Indigenous families, or racial minorities who often face barriers to accessing nutritious food, could find the Good Food Box a valuable resource in overcoming these challenges. By supporting loc