Alberta ranch community initiative aims to bolster rural food banks [Video]

In response to the demand faced by rural food banks, a grassroots non-profit initiative has emerged to bridge the gap between farming families and those in need within their community.

The Foothills Farm Table Collective is the brainchild of former rancher Jay Cross and Bluerock Gallery co-owner Shelly Faulkner.

“We were feeling a need in the community and tapping into the generosity of the farmers and ranchers in the foothills region, we just realized that people really love the idea,” said Cross.

“To be part of a collective, where people do good things for friends and neighbours, we need more of that in the world.”

The collective’s inaugural donation came from Brenda Otto of Tangle Ridge Ranch west of Okotoks. Tangle Ridge contributed 600 pounds (272 kilograms) of frozen, locally produced beef.

“I love giving back, my whole family does. We get very heartbroken when we imagine small children and elderly people and people unable …