The Strathcona County Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Strategy is built around five strategic priorities: Basic Needs; Mental Health and Addictions; Connection; Community Safety; and Complexity. Community partners who are part of the CSWB Stewardship Committee that leads the work on CSWB, address the CSWB strategic priorities both through their own organizational mandates and also through building of partnerships with other organizations that are part of the Committee. A partnership between Family and Community Services (FCS) and the Strathcona Food Bank is making a difference in addressing the strategic priority, basic needs.

The Food Bank Pantry Pilot Project, located in the FCS office, launched in October 2022, providing individuals and families who visit FCS with the opportunity to access food and other items to support basic needs, like toiletries and warm clothing. Having these necessities available onsite with other front-line services, like solutions navigation and counselling, makes it convenient for families to grab what they need, whether that is a few items for school lunches, winter accessories or personal hygiene products. Since its launch, demand for the Food Bank Pantry has increased. In 2023, the Pantry was accessed 17 to 18 times per week, and in January 2024, that number climbed to 28 to 29 times per week. FCS receives one to two orders per week from the Food Bank to keep up with the demand.  

For more information about the FCS Food Bank Pantry, please contact Teri Stannard at teri.stannard@strathcona.ca.