As told to Melody Land, CAC Coordinator, by Lynne Greenblatt,
on behalf of the SFB Board of Directors
There is something special about Albert County. When neighbours are struggling, someone is always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's clearing a driveway after a snowstorm, organizing a community fundraiser, or dropping off a meal for someone in need, compassion has long been one of this region's defining characteristics.
That same spirit is at the heart of the Shepody Food Bank.
For years, the volunteer-run organization has quietly provided food and hope to individuals and families throughout lower Albert County. While many people think of a food bank as simply a place to pick up groceries, the Shepody Food Bank sees its role as much more than that.
Its mission is simple but powerful: to increase access to healthy food for everyone in a way that maintains dignity, builds healthier communities, and fosters respect for diversity and inclusion.
As the cost of living continues to rise across New Brunswick, that mission has never been more important.
There is something special about Albert County. When neighbours are struggling, someone is always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's clearing a driveway after a snowstorm, organizing a community fundraiser, or dropping off a meal for someone in need, compassion has long been one of this region's defining characteristics.
That same spirit is at the heart of the Shepody Food Bank.
For years, the volunteer-run organization has quietly provided food and hope to individuals and families throughout lower Albert County. While many people think of a food bank as simply a place to pick up groceries, the Shepody Food Bank sees its role as much more than that.
Its mission is simple but powerful: to increase access to healthy food for everyone in a way that maintains dignity, builds healthier communities, and fosters respect for diversity and inclusion.
As the cost of living continues to rise across New Brunswick, that mission has never been more important.
Meeting a Growing Need
Food insecurity is no longer an issue affecting only a small number of people. Rising housing costs, higher grocery bills and increasing fuel prices have left many families making impossible choices between paying their bills and putting healthy food on the table. The reality is that hunger can affect anyone.
While there are often misconceptions about who uses food banks, volunteers at the Shepody Food Bank say today's clients include working individuals, seniors living on fixed incomes, families with children, and people employed in seasonal industries. Having a job no longer guarantees food security.
Each food hamper is carefully prepared to provide approximately six days' worth of nutritious food for individuals and families living within the food bank's service area. The hampers typically include frozen meats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, bread, canned goods, dry staples and, whenever possible, personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies.
The organization also supports local students by providing weekend food packs to children attending Riverside Consolidated School and Hillsborough Elementary School. These packs help ensure that children who depend on school meal programs continue to have access to nutritious food over the weekend.
Serving More Families Every Year
Like many food banks across Canada, the Shepody Food Bank has seen demand steadily increase. Food insecurity continues to grow and so too has the number of households seeking assistance. In 2025 alone, the Shepody Food bank served more than 100 households, including over 60 children under the age of 18 and nearly 30 seniors aged 65 and older.
Filling an Important Gap
For Albert County residents, geography creates an additional challenge. For instance, some areas of Lower Albert County are considered a food desert, with no major supermarket within approximately 50 kilometres. Limited transportation options and rising fuel costs make accessing affordable, nutritious food even more difficult for many households. For seniors, individuals without reliable transportation and families living on tight budgets, those extra kilometres can become another barrier to putting healthy meals on the table.
Without organizations like the Shepody Food Bank, many residents would face even greater hardship.
The impact extends well beyond the people receiving food. When families have reliable access to healthy meals, children are better able to learn, seniors are healthier, stress is reduced and the entire community benefits from improved food security.
Powered by Volunteers
Behind every food hamper is a dedicated team of volunteers. Their work includes receiving food deliveries from Feed NB, organizing and stocking shelves, preparing hampers, cleaning, sorting donations and ensuring clients receive the support they need in a welcoming environment.
For anyone considering volunteering, the Shepody Food Bank offers a variety of opportunities to match different interests, abilities and schedules. Whether someone has a few hours each month or can volunteer more regularly, every contribution makes a difference. The organization describes itself as flexible, appreciative and always happy to welcome new volunteers.
How You Can Help
Financial donations are always appreciated, but they are only one way to support the food bank.
Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed and help keep shelves stocked throughout the year.
Equally important is helping spread awareness and non-judgemental acceptance. Many people who could benefit from food support hesitate to ask for help because they feel embarrassed or worry about being judged. The volunteers at the Shepody Food Bank want people to know that everyone is treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
If someone finds themselves struggling to put food on the table, reaching out is not something to be ashamed of. The organization works hard to create a friendly, welcoming and non-judgmental environment where people can receive support when they need it most.
Looking Ahead
Although demand continues to grow, so does the community's willingness to help. Every donated can of soup, every hour volunteered and every financial contribution helps ensure that no one in lower Albert County has to face hunger alone.
As Albert County continues to grow and change, organizations like the Shepody Food Bank remain an essential part of the community's safety net. Their work reminds us that fighting hunger is about much more than food. It is about protecting health, preserving dignity and strengthening the sense of community that has always defined Albert County.
How to Connect
Due to construction at the Health and Wellness Centre, the Shepody Food Bank is currently operating from the lower entrance of the Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre.
If you are interested in volunteering, donating or accessing food support, you can:
No one should have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of the community, the Shepody Food Bank continues to ensure that fewer Albert County families have to make that choice.
Food insecurity is no longer an issue affecting only a small number of people. Rising housing costs, higher grocery bills and increasing fuel prices have left many families making impossible choices between paying their bills and putting healthy food on the table. The reality is that hunger can affect anyone.
While there are often misconceptions about who uses food banks, volunteers at the Shepody Food Bank say today's clients include working individuals, seniors living on fixed incomes, families with children, and people employed in seasonal industries. Having a job no longer guarantees food security.
Each food hamper is carefully prepared to provide approximately six days' worth of nutritious food for individuals and families living within the food bank's service area. The hampers typically include frozen meats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, bread, canned goods, dry staples and, whenever possible, personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies.
The organization also supports local students by providing weekend food packs to children attending Riverside Consolidated School and Hillsborough Elementary School. These packs help ensure that children who depend on school meal programs continue to have access to nutritious food over the weekend.
Serving More Families Every Year
Like many food banks across Canada, the Shepody Food Bank has seen demand steadily increase. Food insecurity continues to grow and so too has the number of households seeking assistance. In 2025 alone, the Shepody Food bank served more than 100 households, including over 60 children under the age of 18 and nearly 30 seniors aged 65 and older.
Filling an Important Gap
For Albert County residents, geography creates an additional challenge. For instance, some areas of Lower Albert County are considered a food desert, with no major supermarket within approximately 50 kilometres. Limited transportation options and rising fuel costs make accessing affordable, nutritious food even more difficult for many households. For seniors, individuals without reliable transportation and families living on tight budgets, those extra kilometres can become another barrier to putting healthy meals on the table.
Without organizations like the Shepody Food Bank, many residents would face even greater hardship.
The impact extends well beyond the people receiving food. When families have reliable access to healthy meals, children are better able to learn, seniors are healthier, stress is reduced and the entire community benefits from improved food security.
Powered by Volunteers
Behind every food hamper is a dedicated team of volunteers. Their work includes receiving food deliveries from Feed NB, organizing and stocking shelves, preparing hampers, cleaning, sorting donations and ensuring clients receive the support they need in a welcoming environment.
For anyone considering volunteering, the Shepody Food Bank offers a variety of opportunities to match different interests, abilities and schedules. Whether someone has a few hours each month or can volunteer more regularly, every contribution makes a difference. The organization describes itself as flexible, appreciative and always happy to welcome new volunteers.
How You Can Help
Financial donations are always appreciated, but they are only one way to support the food bank.
Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed and help keep shelves stocked throughout the year.
Equally important is helping spread awareness and non-judgemental acceptance. Many people who could benefit from food support hesitate to ask for help because they feel embarrassed or worry about being judged. The volunteers at the Shepody Food Bank want people to know that everyone is treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
If someone finds themselves struggling to put food on the table, reaching out is not something to be ashamed of. The organization works hard to create a friendly, welcoming and non-judgmental environment where people can receive support when they need it most.
Looking Ahead
Although demand continues to grow, so does the community's willingness to help. Every donated can of soup, every hour volunteered and every financial contribution helps ensure that no one in lower Albert County has to face hunger alone.
As Albert County continues to grow and change, organizations like the Shepody Food Bank remain an essential part of the community's safety net. Their work reminds us that fighting hunger is about much more than food. It is about protecting health, preserving dignity and strengthening the sense of community that has always defined Albert County.
How to Connect
Due to construction at the Health and Wellness Centre, the Shepody Food Bank is currently operating from the lower entrance of the Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre.
If you are interested in volunteering, donating or accessing food support, you can:
- Call (506) 882-2323 and leave a message. Volunteers regularly check messages on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.
- Visit the Shepody Food Bank Facebook page for updates and information.
- If you need food assistance, leave a message on the answering machine so a volunteer can arrange an appointment.
No one should have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of the community, the Shepody Food Bank continues to ensure that fewer Albert County families have to make that choice.
RSS Feed