Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank and Calgary Co-op Launch Alberta Share in Calgary Stores

January 21, 2003 - Alberta Share, a province-wide program that assists food banks with getting the nutritious supplies they need, is being officially launched in Calgary at 1:15 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at the Macleod Trail Co-op store - 8818 Macleod Tr S. The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank will launch this program in partnership with the Calgary-Co-op. "This is the largest fundraising initiative of the Alberta Food Bank Network Association and the Alberta Food Processors Association," says Sarda Sahney, Association Coordinator of the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. Heather Hargreaves of the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society says "It benefits the community, the food industry, and helps food banks help those in need."

Alberta Share allows grocery shoppers to make donations in $2 increments at any Calgary Co-op store by swiping a card at the till as they pay for their groceries. Donations are used by local food banks to purchase supplies, and often, food banks will receive special discounts, allowing the money to stretch further. "We are very excited to be a part of this project," says Donna Burn, Director of Public relations at Calgary Co-op. "It benefits the whole community and heightenspublic awareness of hunger issues".

The demand at the Calgary Food Bank is increasing and this program will help to supplement food purchases throughout the year.

For info contact:

Sarda Sahney
Alberta Food Bank Network Association
Phone: 1-866-251-232

Heather Hargreaves
Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society
Phone: 319-0827

Donna Burns
Calgary Co-op
Phone 219-6035 ext 6258