Chestermere Food Bank Highlights Impact of 2025 Hamper and Donation Programs

The Chestermere Regional Food Bank Foundation is reporting a year of significant community support and growth in 2025, with its hamper program and donation efforts playing a key role in assisting neighbours facing food insecurity.
According to statistics released by the food bank, a total of 413 food hampers were distributed throughout the year, providing essential support to 1,408 individuals from across Chestermere and the surrounding area. That number included 746 adults, 582 children, and 80 seniors, illustrating the broad reach of the program in meeting basic needs for people of all ages during a time of continued economic pressure.
The organization shared the figures in a recent post, thanking donors and volunteers for their contributions, and emphasizing the importance of collective effort in supporting those in need. “By pulling together our resources, we’ve built a reliable support system that keeps our neighbours fueled and focused on the future,” the food bank wrote on social media.
Food donations saw a marked increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, growing from 84,735 pounds in 2024 to 99,006 pounds in 2025. This nearly 17 percent rise reflects both increased community generosity and expanded collection efforts. During the holiday season alone, donations surged: December 2025 brought in 22,314 pounds of food, a significant jump from 6,765 pounds donated in December 2024. These seasonal contributions were crucial in bolstering supplies during a period of heightened need.
The Chestermere Regional Food Bank Foundation has served the community since 2007, operating as a volunteer-run charitable organization with a mission to deliver nourishment and support with dignity and compassion. The food bank supports residents through various programs beyond hampers, including Meals on Wheels, Bread & Extras, school backpack support, and holiday hampers, in addition to its regular perishable and non-perishable food distributions.
Donations can be made year-round at multiple Chestermere locations. Bins are accepted at local grocery stores like Safeway, Sean & Alexandra’s No Frills, and at community hubs such as the Chestermere Library and Chestermere Recreation Centre. These locations provide convenient drop-off points for non-perishable items, making it easier for residents to support the food bank’s efforts throughout the year.
The Foundation also works with a network of corporate partners and sponsors that have long supported its mission. For example, in 2024 Safeway contributed over 13,000 pounds of donated food and ongoing gift card support, while No Frills and other local businesses provided thousands of pounds of additional staples and fresh items. These partner contributions help ensure a steady supply of food for distribution.
Volunteers remain the backbone of the food bank’s operations, helping with everything from sorting donations and assembling hampers to organizing special programs and community outreach. In 2024 alone, more than 60 volunteers contributed thousands of hours to support the organization’s mission, a testament to the spirit of service that fuels its work.
Local residents have responded positively to the food bank’s year-end summary, praising the collective effort and expressing continued support for future initiatives. Community contributions of time, food items, and financial resources all help strengthen the safety net at a time when rising prices and economic uncertainty leave many families vulnerable.
The Chestermere Regional Food Bank Foundation continues to adapt and expand its programs to better serve the community. In addition to basic hamper distribution, it plays a role in seasonal support initiatives such as holiday meals, school nourishment programs, and collaboration with other local services to address broader aspects of food insecurity.
Residents interested in supporting the food bank can find more information on how to donate or volunteer by visiting the food bank’s official website or by dropping off donations at established collection points throughout the city.
As Canada sees increasing reliance on food banks — with national reports showing millions of food bank visits annually — local efforts like those in Chestermere reflect a growing community response to a pressing social challenge.
The Foundation’s 2025 impact highlights not only the generosity of donors and volunteers but also the ongoing need for community collaboration to ensure food security and dignity for all residents.