The Food for All fundraiser wrapped up this week with its final stop at Gardenland Co-op in Winkler, where the community once again showed up in a big way. The event, presented by Rede-Made Noodles and supported by local business sponsors, brought in a total of $5,853.13 in support of the Winkler & District Food Cupboard.
Three communities, one cause
The 2025 campaign spanned three communities: Morden, Altona, and Winkler. Each stop brought people together to donate non-perishable food and cash donations to support their respective local food banks. While the locations and recipients varied, the mission remained the same: to fight food insecurity in the Pembina Valley.
In Altona, the May 1st drive raised $2,750 along with bags of non-perishable food for the Rhineland and Area Foodbank. In Morden, the community filled bins and raised over $4,000 at the Co-op food store on April 24th to support the Many Hands Community Resource Centre.
Every dollar—and every can, matters
Cash donations are especially valuable, allowing food banks to purchase perishable goods like milk, eggs, and produce—and to keep essentials in stock for regular food bank clients.
The impact of community generosity doesn’t end when the Food for All fundraiser wraps up. In fact, it’s just the beginning. With 100% of their operations volunteer-run, every dollar donated goes directly toward purchasing food. The cupboard prioritizes items like milk, eggs, flour, sugar, pasta, rice, and canned goods—key ingredients that form the foundation of many meals. While non-perishable donations remain crucial, financial support allows the Food Cupboard to buy perishable goods and high-demand items in bulk, often at discounted rates through local grocery partners.
As prices continue to climb on everything from milk to cooking oil, the ability to stretch each donation makes a big difference. Whether it’s a jug of milk for a family with children, or a few pounds of sugar for someone baking on a budget, these staples help meet both nutritional needs and cultural preferences.
Thanks to consistent community support, the Winkler Food Cupboard can respond quickly to changing demand, reduce food insecurity, and offer dignified, thoughtful assistance to every person who walks through their doors.
Fighting food waste, feeding families
One important part of the work being done in Winkler is reducing food waste while addressing hunger. Donations from Gardenland Co-op, including close-dated or slightly damaged items, are quickly sorted and shared.
The 2025 Food for All campaign reminds us that every act of generosity counts, and makes a significant impact when we come together for a cause.
Thank you, Pembina Valley
With thousands of dollars raised and shelves restocked, Food for All has once again proven what’s possible when a region comes together for its neighbours and friends. From the volunteers who pack hampers, to the donors who fill bins, to the Co-op staff who host the events—thank you for making a difference.
Until next year, let’s continue to look out for one another—and ensure no table goes empty.