Ruth’s Pantry helps Edmonton families with food insecurity: ‘Means a lot to us’

In Edmonton, Ruth's Pantry offers a lifeline to families grappling with food insecurity. The program, run by SOAR Community Empowerment, provides essential groceries to over 100 families weekly, easing the strain of high living costs.

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For the past few years, myself and my husband, we’ve been struggling.

"We all face crisis, we all face different things in life, and sometimes we just need some help," said SOAR director & CEO Craig Henkelman. "We come in to just help with groceries, because a lot of times it’s just difficult to pay rent."

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I got to come in here, pick what I needed, and provide for my little family.

For residents like Lisa Kruy, the pantry has been a crucial support. "I got to come in here, pick what I needed, and provide for my little family," Kruy said, expressing gratitude for the community's help. "The fact that there’s good people out there that are willing to help families like me that are struggling, that means a lot to us."

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We all face crisis, we all face different things in life, and sometimes we just need some help.

Ruth's Pantry is also working to expand its capacity. The organization has launched a campaign, "1,000 for 150 for Kids," to raise funds for a commercial kitchen. This expansion aims to allow for cooking classes for children and the provision of pre-made meals, further supporting vulnerable families in the community.

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We come in to just help with groceries, because a lot of times it’s just difficult to pay rent.