Cold Lake Food Bank reports one of the highest child client rates in Canada

Fort McMurray–Cold Lake MP Laila Goodridge is drawing attention to the growing number of Canadians relying on food banks, pointing to rising costs and federal spending as key factors behind increasing food insecurity.

During question period in Ottawa on October 27, Goodridge highlighted that millions of Canadians are struggling to afford groceries, citing national data showing food bank visits have reached record highs. Across the country, 2.2 million visits were recorded in a single month—more than 700,000 of them from children.

According to Hunger Count 2025, the latest report from Food Banks Canada, food bank visits have doubled since 2019 and increased another 5.2 per cent over the past year. Alberta saw the sharpest rise in usage nationwide, with a 21.8 per cent increase from 2024 to 2025. The report also shows that one in five food bank users are employed, marking a growing number of working families turning to food banks to make ends meet.

In Alberta, 31.7 per cent of visits came from two-parent families, 37.6 per cent from single adults, and roughly one-third of users are employed.

Locally, the Cold Lake Food Bank is feeling the strain. Executive Director Michelle Myers says the need has reached record levels, with 48 per cent of their clients being children—among the highest rates in the country. The food bank continues to rely heavily on community donations and volunteers to keep up with the growing demand.

Cash donations remain crucial, as they allow the food bank to purchase perishable goods like meat and dairy at discounted prices through local partnerships. Myers notes that baby supplies such as formula and diapers are consistently in short supply, and volunteers are always needed to help operate the facility.

Despite the challenges, Myers says the generosity of the Cold Lake community continues to make a difference, especially as the holiday season approaches.

The Cold Lake Food Bank remains open year-round, offering vital support for families facing food insecurity and reminding residents that community compassion remains one of the strongest tools against hunger.