Strathcona Food Bank Launches Capital Campaign at Nourish Gala

The Strathcona Food Bank will launch its public capital campaign later this month with a fundraising gala aimed at supporting a new facility to meet growing demand for food services in our community.

 

The third annual Nourish Gala is set for May 30 at the Agora in the Strathcona County Community Centre. Organizers say the event will serve as the official kickoff for the campaign to build the proposed Nourish Centre, a permanent home for the food bank.

 

The campaign comes as demand continues to rise across the province. In Alberta, food bank visits increased by 21.8 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, one of the largest jumps in the country. An average of more than 210,000 visits were recorded each month, with children accounting for more than one-third of those accessing support.

 

The Strathcona Food Bank says the new facility is needed to improve safety, increase efficiency, and expand programs as food insecurity continues to affect more residents in our region.

 

This year's gala has a fundraising goal of $250,000 to support both ongoing operations and the development of the Nourish Centre.

 

Organizers describe the project as a long-term investment in the community and a critical step toward strengthening local food security.

 

The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase the vision for the new building. Guests will be able to learn more about the project and view renderings of the proposed centre, while hearing from campaign leadership about its expected impact.

 

The evening will feature food stations prepared by local chefs and high school culinary students, along with dessert creations, live entertainment, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Organizers say the event is intended to highlight community collaboration while reinforcing the food bank's mission of nourishing community with food and hope.

 

A private sponsor and VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the main event at 6 p.m. A formal program and dessert service are scheduled for later in the evening, with the gala concluding at 10:30 p.m.

 

Tickets are priced at $250, with tables of eight available, and include a charitable tax receipt.

 

Organizers say strong community support will be essential to the success of the campaign, with opportunities for sponsorship, donations, and participation available as the project moves into its public phase.

 

More information about the gala and the campaign is available through the Strathcona Food Bank.