Bethel Pantry Learnings

Location: Bethel Gospel Chapel 11461 95 St, Edmonton, AB T5G 1L3

Bethel Place Food Pantry emerged in 2020 out of the growing needs for food access in low income areas of Edmonton during COVID19. The aim of the Pantry was to create a safe place for in-need community members to access free food within the Alberta Ave. With the barriers put up for families to access food through the schools and the deepening of the COVID pandemic’s impact on the most vulnerable, as a collective, our goal was to ensure dignity and access to food.

The Pantry opens once a week from 3-5 pm allowing for easy access for children, youth, and families to access outside of school hours. Volunteers commit to a timeframe from 2 pm - 6 pm.

The goal was to provide basic foods including:

  • Rice

  • Pasta

  • Canned goods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups

We also wanted to provide household items such as:

  • Toilet paper/ paper towel

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Cleaning products such as dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent

  • Pet food (for dogs and cats)

The intention of the pantry was not to provide packed hampers, but rather create a space where people can pick what they need, reducing wastage and increasing dignity.

Bethel Place was supported by:

  • Bethel Gospel Chapel

  • Arts on the Ave

  • Edmonton's Food Bank

  • John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

  • Primary Healthcare Network

  • City of Edmonton

  • NET (Neighbourhood Empowerment Team is a partnership between the Edmonton Police Service, City of Edmonton, The Family Centre, and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region)

Neximar Alarcon