 History
The history of the Southern & Central
Alberta Food Bank Federation is a fairly short one. It
had its start with the first meetings of the Red Deer Distribution
Network in 2001. Those food banks joined together
to share information and resources with each other. They
tried to fill a void that needed filling, that being information
and association. Smaller food banks felt very alone,
each wondering how other food banks were doing. Limited
resources kept many from involvement in the provincial
association. By meeting regionally, they found that
much information could be shared. Smaller centers
became better informed as to what was taking place in other
areas. Most of the discussions centered around supplies,
how to get them, increasing demand and how to deal with
it. These food banks than decided to meet in Red
Deer every 4 or 5 months to keep up with events and to
share insights and resources.
In discussions with the
Calgary InterFaith Food Bank, it was found that there was
common interest in sharing information and resources. It
was felt that other food banks in the region would be interested
in these meetings. Therefore an invitation was extended
to food banks all over Southern and Central Alberta. Many
food banks from the region attended and were pleased with
what they learned.
From that meeting, many
of food banks decided to work on forming a loose coalition
of food banks that would try to work with the existing
association. Others felt that we needed to start
a new regional association as soon as possible. Boards
were consulted, the direction was chosen, and they would
form a new association. We would always try to work
with the existing provincial association, but there was
a real benefit to working together regionally.
In 2003, the Southern and
Central Alberta Food Bank Federation had our first Annual
General Meeting. We elected a Board of Directors
from all over the region and presented our Articles of
Association. We were incorporated the Alberta Companies
Act. on October 25, 2004.
Aims & Objectives
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To develop a Southern & Central
Alberta focus to support food banks in achieving their
mission to feed the hungry in their local communities
through sharing information and resources between food
banks.
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To plan and implement collective
approaches and methods in the Region and beyond for
public education and awareness initiatives concerning
poverty and hunger issues.
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To provide a positive and timely
response to crisis and food emergencies affecting food
banks in the region.
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To create opportunities for food
banks in the region to collectively represent concern
and issues to government and policy makers.
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To represent the members collectively
in approaches or agreements with food industries or
other sources of food.
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To represent the members in any
centralized approaches to donors of funds or resources
for the collective benefit of the member food banks.
The inauguration
of the Southern and Central Food Bank Federation and the
adoption of the Articles of Association (Constitution and
By-laws) by the members took place at the first Annual
General Meeting held May 3, 2003.
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It is understood that this Federation
is not exclusive in that members may belong to any
or all existing Associations and Networks as they so
choose.
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It is inclusive in the Federation
hopes to include those who do not belong to any larger
body and can do so in a way that is affordable and
has direct benefit.
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The Federation is geographic only
in general terms and those outside the accepted area
(south of Leduc to the provincial boundaries) may apply
for membership and be accepted on a per cases basis.
-
It is expected that all members
be prepared to share surplus resouces and provide mutual
support as and when available and necessary. The Federation
encourages and assists in the distribution and coordination
of local surpluses to meet other needs within the region.
Memorandum
of Association
Articles of Association |
