Acadia Pantry - Reinstatement of Acadia Pantry Geographic Boundaries
November 19, 2024
To: Acadia Food Pantry Patrons
Re: Reinstatement of Acadia Pantry Geographical Boundaries
When Acadia Food Pantry (AFP) was originally formed in April 2019, it was created to serve those living in Acadia and surrounding areas. Grants and food donations from corporations and the federal government during the pandemic enabled AFP to extend its boundaries and serve people from other communities as well. The number of people accessing AFP has more than doubled since the height of the pandemic, but thanks to a one time grant from a sponsor church, it was able to continue at its current level, until now.
As noted in previous communications, the reality is that grants for food purchases are no longer available and food donaJons have become minimal. With decreased funding and increased demand for food, a change will be required in order for AFP to continue to exist. Different alternatives were explored and, rather than having to close in the near future or reduce the number of fresh items we provide, AFP will return to its original mandate of only serving residents of Acadia and surrounding areas. This will help ensure sustainability for a longer period of time. A map of AFP boundaries is located below.
Beginning February 18th, 2025, only residents who live within AFP’s designated boundaries will be given access to food. To reduce the impact on those who will be affected, there will be a 3-month phase in period. During that time, the following practices will be implemented.
Residents within the established boundaries will be expected to provide a proof of address.
Patrons who registered in the past and live outside the boundary will continue to be served for this three month period.
New people will be provided access the first time they come and will be required to provide proof of address for subsequent visits.
To confirm you live within the designated geographical boundaries, AFP will need to be provided with documents containing your full name and address and have a date of less than 90 days. Any one of the following documents will be accepted:
Current driver’s license or identification card issued within the last 90 days
Utility bills, bank or credit card statements showing your current address
Residential lease agreement, mortgage document or land title
Signed and dated written confirmation of Alberta employment
Please know that this was a difficult decision to make, and the AFP team is saddened by the potential impacts on some of you. As much as AFP would like to be able to serve anyone who comes, it no longer has the ability to do so. Implementing these changes will allow AFP to continue to operate in some form, while directing those outside the boundaries to food resources in other locations.
You can learn more about the Acadia Food Pantry here.
