WECAN Food Basket Society of Alberta

WECAN Food Basket is a not for profit charitable organization that has been in operation for 25+ years. Our objective is to relieve poverty by operating community-based programs to address the food security needs of families and individuals by providing quality food at a reduced price. We strive promote and support healthy eating by working with communities to increase their capacity to access nutritious, affordable foods.

WECAN Food Basket has become an essential component of many families monthly food plan and is critical to their health. The program creates a healthy food order including produce and meat, uses a prepay system, and accesses wholesale pricing through bulk buying. We have 26 volunteer run depots in Edmonton and the surrounding area. Most of our depots are in Churches, Day Cares, Community Leagues or Agencies. Volunteer members run the community depots, sort the orders and deliver the case lot food to the community location. Many of our members, seniors and those with disabilities need direct contact to utilize the information and access the program. This monthly food order helps them survive each month. Our model is not charity but self-sufficiency in a community setting. WECAN supports individuals and households to move out of poverty.

WECAN Food Basket is recognized in both Edmonton and surrounding communities as a valuable resource for approximately 800 households monthly. Our volunteers (1600 volunteers and 2900 volunteer hours yearly) and members, appreciate the Food Basket and the opportunity to contribute to their own food security. Our organization supports individuals living in their community.

Our agency is respectfully run, fiscally responsible and based on values of volunteering, thrift and hard work. Our organization is constantly exploring alternative funding opportunities. The current economy is still adversely affecting many families and individuals. Calls to our office with food security issues has remained constant. Two part time staff operate our office and we continue to struggle as we have limited financial resources, with limited funds to promote our organization.