Popular food distribution program supported by Picture Butte council

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

A popular food distribution program may be coming to Picture Butte following council support.

During their regular April 12 meeting, Picture Butte town council received a letter asking for support for a food distribution program in town.

In the letter, Karin Van Hoef requests permission from the town to set up a food distribution program.

Calgary Family Peer Connections (CFPC) collects food from businesses across southern Alberta that can’t be sold and would otherwise end up in a landfill, and distribute it to different communities. This program is currently going on in Nobleford and Coalhurst – where Deb Florence has been working in connection with CFPC, and in Barons, where the Barons Fire Department works with CFPC.

“This food has helped many families in need right now and others that have wanted to help keep this food out of the landfills,” said Van Hoef, in the letter. “I believe this program would be beneficial in Picture Butte, as there are many that have lost jobs or reduced hours due to COVID-19. Therefore, I would like your permission to set up this program in Picture Butte.”

The distribution would take place in a COVID safe environment, with volunteers and residents wearing masks, COVID-19 health checklists being read and signed by all volunteers and residents driving up and staying in their vehicles – while volunteers load up the food in their trunks.

In addition to permission from council, the group is also looking for a place to host the distribution, so a line-up of cars won’t interfere with traffic on the road.

Mayor Cathy Moore said she liked the idea. “This is what’s going through Barons right now, that’s hosted by the Barons Fire Department,” said Moore.

“This is awesome. It’s huge in Barons too, the line-up of families that show up for this food is crazy.”

CAO Keith Davis said the town replied to her and noted the town had no issue with it and to talk to the local food bank. Coun. Henry de Kok asked if the group considered in front of the Community Centre, calling it a “prime spot” for it. Davis said he had suggested using schools or churches for it, and agreed the Community Centre would be a great spot due to the line-up of cars that would accumulate.

Council passed a motion to receive and file the letter for information.

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