Table of contents

Photo of Alberta Northern Lights recipient Alanna Pettigrew

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.

Nominate a volunteer

Honour the contributions of an amazing individual or group.

Nominate a volunteer

Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-638-4699
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

How to volunteer

For contact information, visit Volunteering during COVID-19.

Was this page helpful?

All fields are required unless otherwise indicated.

Your submissions are monitored by our web team and are used to help improve the experience on Alberta.ca.