In Grande Prairie, food insecurity is a significant issue affecting many individuals and families. According to the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, around 16% of households in the region experience food insecurity, which is higher than the national average.

To help address this issue, two organizations, Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie and Northreach Society, have recently partnered to work together towards a common goal: to provide food security to those in need in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area.

Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie is a society that has been operating in Grande Prairie for the last ten years. Their mission “aims to help reduce food insecurity by providing healthy nutrition with dignity, increasing inclusivity, supporting families, and fighting poverty by facilitating wholesome meal hampers. Strengthening children’s education with back-to-school hampers and enhanced learning through nutritious food offered in school snack hampers. Elevating community spirit with traditional seasonal food hampers during Easter and Thanksgiving, with a main focus on making magic happen for thousands of people through Christmas hampers”.

Northreach Society is another non-profit organization that provides a range of health and social services to people in the Grande Prairie area. Northreach focuses to address the Social Determinants of Health through education, collaboration, and harm reduction.

By partnering together, Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie and Northreach Society hope to maximize their impact and reach more people in need in the community. Together, they will be able to provide more resources and support to those who are struggling to put food on the table.

The partnership between the Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie and Northreach Society will involve several initiatives, including joint fundraising efforts, sharing resources and knowledge, and collaborating on food distribution efforts. They will also work together to identify and address gaps in the current food security system and develop innovative solutions to help those who are most in need.

The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation costs have exacerbated the issue of food insecurity in many communities, including Grande Prairie. With many people out of work or experiencing financial hardship, the demand for food assistance has increased significantly. The partnership between Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie and Northreach Society is more important than ever, as they work to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the food they need to thrive.

Overall, the partnership between the Helping Hands Society of Grande Prairie and Northreach Society is an inspiring example of two organizations coming together to tackle a complex and pressing issue in their community. By working collaboratively and leveraging their respective strengths, they will be able to make a real difference in the lives of many individuals and families in the Grande Prairie area.

Information by Northreach Society