I still feel the July heat as I walk across Clarke Stadium’s parking lot, where the unmistakable green and gold colors of our Edmonton Elks create a striking contrast against the clear blue Alberta sky. Today isn’t about football plays or scoreboard statistics – it’s about something far more fundamental to our community.
“This is probably my favorite event of the season,” Elks veteran offensive lineman David Beard tells me, his towering frame hunched slightly as he carefully sorts through boxes of pasta donations. “The numbers are staggering when you think about how many Edmontonians rely on food banks.”
For the past 15 years, the Edmonton Elks and Purolator have joined forces for their annual Tackle Hunger campaign, but this year feels different. The need has never been more pressing.
According to Edmonton’s Food Bank, demand has increased by nearly 30% compared to last year, with more than 35,000 people now accessing their services monthly. That’s a jarring statistic that represents real families throughout our city.
“We’re seeing people who’ve never needed a food bank before,” explains Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank. “The combination of inflation, housing costs, and wage stagnation has created a perfect storm for food insecurity.”
The partnership between the Elks and Purolator aims to tackle this growing crisis head-on. During today’s event, players, coaches, and Purolator employees work side-by-side, sorting thousands of pounds of donations that will stock food bank shelves throughout the summer months – traditionally a period when donations decline while need remains high.
I notice rookie wide receiver Tevin Jones meticulously organizing canned goods. It’s his first year participating, but the Mississippi native already understands the importance of this initiative.
“Coming from the South, community service was always part of our team culture,” Jones explains. “But seeing the direct impact here in Edmonton, a city that’s welcomed me with open arms, makes this particularly meaningful.”
The campaign officially kicked off last month at Commonwealth Stadium during the Elks’ home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Fans brought non-perishable food items and cash donations, contributing to the current total of over 25,000 pounds of food – with more collection events planned throughout July.
Purolator’s local operations manager, Sarah Cheng, approaches me with statistics that put the day’s work into perspective.
“Last year, we collected about 40,000 pounds of food through this campaign in Edmonton alone,” Cheng says. “Nationally, Tackle Hunger has delivered more than 18 million pounds of food to Canadian communities since its inception in 2003.”
What strikes me most as I observe the organized chaos of sorting is the genuine camaraderie. Players who normally compete for positions on the field now compete to see who can sort the most donations, all while sharing stories and laughter.
Head coach Chris Jones takes a brief break from inspecting canned goods to share his thoughts. “Building a winning culture isn’t just about what happens between the goalposts,” he tells me, wiping sweat from his brow. “It’s about developing men who understand their privilege and responsibility to this community.”
The Tackle Hunger campaign accepts both non-perishable food items and monetary donations – with the latter being particularly valuable as the Food Bank can leverage each dollar to purchase approximately three meals through their wholesale partnerships.
Elks team captain and Edmonton native Jermaine Gabriel has participated in the program for years, but this season feels personal for him.
“My aunt recently started volunteering at a food bank, and the stories she shares about families just trying to make it through the month – it really hits home,” Gabriel says. “Edmonton supported me throughout my career, and this is one way I can support Edmonton back.”
For fans wanting to contribute, collection bins will remain at Commonwealth Stadium throughout the season, and Purolator is accepting donations at all their Edmonton locations. The campaign culminates in the annual Purolator Tackle Hunger Game on August 17th, when the Elks host the Toronto Argonauts.
As the afternoon sorting session winds down, I’m struck by how many tons of food still need processing before they can reach families in need. Food bank volunteer coordinator Jasmine Singh offers a sobering reminder about the realities of hunger in our city.
“Summer is especially difficult for families with children who normally receive meals through school programs,” Singh explains. “And with inflation affecting grocery prices, more working families are finding themselves needing to choose between rent and food.”
Before leaving, I watch Elks quarterback Trevor Harris kneeling beside his young son, explaining why they’re spending their afternoon sorting food rather than practicing throws.
“We’re helping people who don’t have enough to eat,” Harris says simply. His son nods, carefully placing a box of cereal into the correct bin.
It’s a poignant reminder that beyond the touchdowns and tackles, initiatives like these reveal the true character of our sports organizations and their genuine commitment to the communities they represent.
For more information on how to support Edmonton’s Food Bank or to find food assistance, visit Edmonton’s Food Bank website or call their main line at 780-425-4190.
As I drive away from Clarke Stadium, the image of those green and gold jerseys bent in service rather than competition stays with me – a powerful reminder that in Edmonton, we tackle challenges together, both on and off the field.
