Location: Banff, Alberta
Alanna Pettigrew started Banff Food Rescue in 2016 to support sustainability and redistribute food that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Due to COVID-19 and the halt in tourism, unemployment in Banff has risen to 85% as many businesses have had to temporarily close, including the local food bank.
The volunteer-run Banff Food Rescue has become the main source of food for many people facing food insecurity. Every day, up to 20 volunteers pick up and sort the food donated by grocery stores, food chain suppliers and local restaurants. They also deliver family and individual boxes to those in self-isolation in Banff and Canmore. Overall, they serve 1,200 people a week with 3 weekly deliveries and a weekly pop-up.
Alanna and Banff Food Rescue are not only encouraging waste reduction within the community, but also ensuring that Banff residents are able to put food on the table regardless of their current employment status.