The Airdrie Food Bank has cancelled the upcoming Empty Bowl Arts Festival for the second year in a row.
While the lack of staff and volunteers, as well as increased use of the food bank’s services were already an issue last year, this year they are also dealing with a shortage of food donations.
The Empty Bowls Arts Festival was scheduled for Sept. 23, and typically features local musicians, artists, children's activities, a silent auction, a free soup lunch, and handmade pottery bowls for purchase.
While enjoying a warm bowl of soup, guests could bid on hand-painted bowls, crafted by community members, with all proceeds going to support the local food bank.
The festival was an online event in 2021 and 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was last held in person in September 2019.
According to last year’s report, it takes approximately 100 volunteers to put on the Empty Bowls Festival each year.
Despite the food bank needing donations more than ever, they are currently focusing all their efforts on feeding people, said Christine Taylor, Airdrie Food Bank’s events, marketing and communications manager.
The volunteer-run organization had to decrease its staff and volunteer shifts recently to the lowest levels it has ever seen due to the lack of food donations.
According to a press release from the food bank in August, there wasn’t enough food available for sorting, which led to cancelled volunteer shifts in September.
On top of the food shortage, the number of clients served by the Airdrie Food Bank has risen 55 per cent, with 44 per cent being children. That is 12 per cent higher than the national average.
The food bank is still preparing to launch an annual city-wide food drive on Sept. 16.
"This weekend's food drive is going well; we are receiving numerous donations online, and many organizations and businesses are pulling together to support the Airdrie Food Bank. Bags should be delivered this week. For the most up-to-date information, people can visit our social media pages or our website," Taylor said.
Residents in Airdrie will receive a donation bag delivered to their front door, and are asked to fill the bag with essential, non-perishable foods that can be added to a meal, or served as standalone nourishment and school-friendly snacks.
The release asks residents not to donate expired goods, food past their best before, damaged cans or packages, homemade foods, unsealed or opened items or alcohol.
Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will collect bags that are ready by the designated time on Sept. 16.
The public is asked to contact the provided number on the donation slip if a donation is missed or to drop off a contribution at the food bank or any grocery store donation bin.
Residents can also become one-time or a monthly donors through submitting a form found on the Airdrie Food Bank's website.
The Airdrie Food Bank is located at 20 East Lake Way.
