The 2025-26 provincial budget includes $5 million to help food banks and community organizations feed hungry Albertans, and Alberta’s school nutrition program will get $20 million to provide 58,000 students with a daily nutritious meal.
Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said $105 million for Family and Community Support Services will also support local preventative services and programming in partnership with local municipalities and Métis Settlements.
But Nixon said Thursday's funding announcement in no way addresses the challenges that may arise from the tariff war started by the United States.
"I'm not going to speak to what solutions we may have to bring forward in the coming months. But I can tell you whatever that solution would be, when it comes to food security, would be in partnership with our food bank partners," Nixon said during a press conference regarding about the budget.
"We certainly think the federal government also has a significant responsibility in that area as we go through what is sadly a trade war that's been created by our largest trade partner."
Last year, Alberta’s government partnered with Food Banks Alberta to strengthen existing programs like providing culturally appropriate food, support during emergency situations, and assisting food banks with core costs. Funding in the 2025-26 budget will build on that progress.
"We are absolutely thrilled that the government is stepping forward to assist," said Mitch Thomson, Red Deer Food Bank executive director.
"This money is incredibly beneficial. It would allow us to purchase strategic items we're able to source from time to time to supplement what we're doing to ensure that we get the most needed items."
He said during the food bank's last fiscal year, which ran July 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024, $4.5 million worth of food was distributed to Central Albertans.
Since December 2022, the Red Deer Food Bank has received $50,000 annually from the province, along with another $50,000 through an application to match dollars from donors.
"In the coming year if tariffs impact the city the way economists are suggesting, we could see a lot of people impacted that we would not normally. So we're incredibly grateful for this support now and recognize that as a community we're going to have work really hard in the next year to make sure everyone stays afloat," Thomson said.
Kayla Blanchette, president of Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta, said strong communities are built on the foundation of well-being, and access to nutritious food is a key part of that.
"FCSS continues to witness the growing concern of household food insecurity in our communities and recognize the crucial role of food security in prevention and long-term stability. By investing in both immediate supports and preventive services, we can work together to create healthier, more resilient communities for all Albertans," Blanchette said.
