Standing in the bustling main hall of Edmonton’s Food Bank, I watched as Maria carefully selected items for her family while chatting with a volunteer about an upcoming job interview. This scene captures what many Edmontonians might not realize about our city’s largest food support organization – it’s evolved far beyond just distributing groceries.
“We’ve always known hunger is often a symptom of other challenges,” explains Marjorie Northern, Program Director at Edmonton’s Food Bank. “That’s why we’ve expanded our employment support services over the past three years. Food security and economic stability go hand in hand.”
The Food Bank’s employment program now assists nearly 700 clients annually with resume building, interview preparation, and professional skills development. What started as a small referral service has grown into a comprehensive employment hub that’s helping vulnerable Edmontonians secure meaningful work.
Lisa Trent found herself visiting the Food Bank after losing her administrative position during pandemic layoffs. “I came for groceries but left with hope,” she tells me during our interview at the organization’s eastside location. “Their employment counselor helped me completely revamp my resume and practice interviews. Three weeks later, I landed a better job than I had before.”
The program’s success stems from its personalized approach. Rather than generic job placement, counselors work to understand each client’s unique skills, barriers, and goals.
“We build relationships first,” says Javier Rodriguez, one of four full-time employment specialists now on staff. “Many clients face complex challenges – housing instability, childcare issues, transportation barriers. We address these practical obstacles alongside job readiness.”
This holistic model has yielded impressive results. According to internal tracking, 68% of program participants secure employment within four months, with nearly 80% maintaining those positions beyond six months.
The Food Bank has forged partnerships with over 40 local employers who now regularly hire through the program. These range from hospitality groups to manufacturing firms and healthcare support services. Some partners, like Davidson Hospitality Group, have implemented specialized training pipelines specifically for Food Bank referrals.
“Their candidates come prepared and motivated,” notes Sam Davidson, regional hiring manager. “We’ve hired eleven people through the program since last spring. Ten are still with us, and three have already been promoted.”
Beyond job placement, the program offers continuing support during the critical first months of employment. This includes check-ins, transportation assistance, and sometimes supplemental food support until financial stability is achieved.
For Jason Murray, a former client who now volunteers, this wraparound approach made all the difference. “They didn’t just help me get a job,” he explains while organizing supplies in the Food Bank’s career closet, where clients can obtain professional clothing. “They made sure I could keep it by helping with bus passes and work boots when I started. That support got me through until my first few paychecks.”
The career closet itself represents the program’s practical focus. Racks of donated professional attire – suits, blouses, steel-toed boots, and scrubs – ensure clients arrive at interviews and first days properly dressed for success.
Edmonton’s Food Bank funds this expanded employment initiative through a combination of corporate sponsorships, government grants, and targeted donations. According to their latest annual report, employment services now represent about 14% of their operational budget.
The City of Edmonton has recognized the program’s value through increased municipal funding. “Their approach addresses food insecurity at its roots,” states Councillor Aaron Paquette. “This aligns perfectly with our economic resilience strategy.”
Looking ahead, the Food Bank plans to expand specialized training for in-demand sectors. A pilot program focusing on entry-level healthcare positions launches next month in partnership with Alberta Health Services.
“We’re constantly evolving based on local employment needs,” Northern tells me as we tour their recently expanded computer lab where clients access job boards and complete online applications. “Our goal is creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods, not just temporary solutions.”
For clients like Derek Samson, a former oil field worker who now has a stable position in facilities management, the program represents a transformation. “When I first came here, I was embarrassed and desperate,” he admits. “But they treated me with dignity. They saw my potential when I couldn’t.”
The program’s success challenges common misconceptions about food bank users. Data collected shows approximately 43% of their employment program participants have post-secondary education, with many having substantial work histories interrupted by health issues, family crises, or economic downturns.
Edmonton’s Food Bank exemplifies how social service organizations can evolve to address root causes of food insecurity. By tackling employment barriers directly, they’re helping clients move beyond emergency support toward genuine self-sufficiency.
To learn more about employment services or to support Edmonton’s Food Bank, visit their website or contact their main office.
