Interfaith Food Bank recognized for making an impact

By Lethbridge Herald on November 14, 2024.

Herald file photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Interfaith Foodbank volunteers unpack a bags from a truck during a past year's Target Hunger event.

The Interfaith Food Bank for the fourth straight year has been included on the Top 10 Impact Canadian Food Bank list generated by Charity Intelligence.

The recognition comes on the heels of the food bank being named a 5-Star Top 100 charity just last month. There are over 5,000 hunger relief organizations in Canada, with more than 100 food banks in Alberta alone, according to Interfaith.

While most charities claim that they make a difference in the lives of those they work with, it is difficult for donors to tell how much of a difference any given charity is making, says the food bank in a press release.

“Charity Intelligence’s rigorous analysis measures this difference, or the impact, charities make to see how each dollar donated can create the most positive change. It’s a different way to think about giving,” it says.

If people want their donations to make a difference, Charity Intelligence recommends giving for impact. The Association of Fundraising Professionals says, “the only measure by which Canadians can truly judge whether they should give to a charity is how well it changes the lives of its beneficiaries.” And Imagine Canada, that works with and on behalf of the nonprofit sector, says that a credible assessment of charities must include impact.

“It is an absolute honour to have our work recognized this way,” says Danielle McIntyre, Executive Director with Interfaith Food Bank.

“It speaks to actual benefit we provide to the families we serve, and acknowledges the return on investment to donors looking to ensure their donations are truly making a difference. In a year where most donors are making difficult decisions about who and/or how much they can support, we hope this news will push us to the top of the list.”

McIntyre notes that food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand with an increase of 90 per cent since 2019.

“It is the donations that keep our doors open and shelves stocked,” she says, “donors need to trust us if we plan to continue to rely upon their support.”