An unsustainable need for food in Edmonton
Community builds and grows at Bethel’s Pantry
This article was updated on August 26, 2024.
The lineup grows outside of the chapel, despite the heat and that Edmonton’s Food Bank truck hasn’t arrived. There are people sitting in the entryway, idly making chit chat. Music plays from the chapel and some sit in the pews, escaping the heat, and patiently waiting for their turn to shop at the Bethel Pantry.
Downstairs, the place is bustling. The air is jovial. Volunteers are more than happy to be there — in fact, it seems there’s nowhere else they’d want to be.
Every Monday for the last three years, people have come to the Bethel Gospel Chapel to take part in the Food Bank pantry. Some line up as early as 6 am to wait outside the doors, despite Bethel Pantry opening at 3 pm and running till 5 pm. Visitors register themselves to shop for clothing, food, hygiene products, and even dog food. Sometimes there’s candy, but only if the clients are good, as some of the volunteers joke.
The pantry, which serves about 150 people, was founded by Arts on the Ave.
“Our commitment was for people to be able to shop for free with dignity, and take what they would use for their households,” says Christy Morin, director of Arts on the Ave. “The Bethel Pantry doesn’t use hampers and allows people to shop for what they need: from hygiene supplies, to clothing, to food. It really is turning into a community staple, which we're really excited to continue running.”
The Bethel Pantry is a joint venture made possible by Edmonton’s Food Bank, the City of Edmonton, Bethel Gospel Chapel, Arts on the Ave, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, and the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team. They made a five-year commitment to provide a safe place for community members to access free food in the area.
“People's need is a way for other people to respond to that need,” says Frank Parker, the church coordinator. “It creates a sense of generosity. And that is, I think, a part of community building. That’s a positive that comes out of a negative.”
Ammar Alshikh, with Arts on the Ave, is the lead of the volunteers for the pantry. He stands at a whiteboard at the back of the room and directs the volunteers to where they’re needed most. He ensures the entire operation runs as smoothly as possible. If anyone plans to volunteer, they’ll be in touch with him.
There is community among the volunteers. Most are retirees who have known each other for a long time. They throw jokes at each other. Parker’s grandchildren are helping with loading the pantry with food for the growing line just up the stairs. Frank Parker explains that his children are regular volunteers who help fill the need when they can. This is a common occurrence, where other volunteers’ extended family also come and volunteer when possible.
The community extends to members who come to the church and get their food from the pantry. “It's kind of fun to watch the community that develops while they’re waiting [in line],” Parker explains. “Sometimes, we've had people bring guitars and others just visit out there, maybe under an umbrella, that sort of thing.”
“There's some people that I certainly know quite well because they've been coming for about three years. Which is nice from one point of view, it's nice to get to know people,” Parker continues. “On the other hand, it's sad that people become dependent on the Food Bank and [are unable] to fend for themselves. That’s the upside/downside of what we do here.”
Edmonton’s Food Banks are facing an unsustainable need and are calling for community support. So far in 2024, there has been an average of 39,077 people making use of the Food Bank in Edmonton every month.
Anyone is able to make use of the pantry: newcomers, students, children, and families. There is no registration required ahead of time at the Bethel Pantry, only a form of ID is needed. Any form of identification works, including a library card. Please note the pantry doesn’t operate on statutory holidays.
“A lot of our volunteers are also shoppers,” says Parker. These customers-turned-volunteers try to give back to the community what they can. Everyone can help out within their means.
Donations of food, money, and time are all needed
Support the Bethel Pantry
Lightly used clothing is needed and with winter approaching, warm clothing — such as mittens, toques, coats, and boats — are appreciated. As well as non-perishable food items. New and unopened hygiene products are also accepted, such as menstrual products, files, nail clippers, shampoo and conditioner.
Drop off donations: Bethel Gospel Church on Mondays between 1 pm and 2 pm.
Volunteer or get involved: info@artsontheave.org.
Support Edmonton’s Food Bank
Drop non-perishable food in a Food Bank box on a trip to the grocery store.
Become a monthly donor (or make a one-time donation) by texting FEEDYEG to 20222.
Donate by phone, by calling 780-425-2133.
Mail your donation to PO Box 6261, Edmonton AB, T5M 4B5.
Donate online or volunteer by visiting the Edmonton's Food Bank website.
Excellent coverage; well done article. Great research. Hands on!
That front lawn would make a beautiful garden for veggies. So many folks are needing the food bank, maybe we need a gardening bank?