Strathmore Fire Department Launches Fourth Annual Drive in Support of Wheatland Food Bank

STRATHMORE, ALBERTA | February 13, 2026 – The Town of Strathmore is pleased to support the Strathmore Fire Department’s fourth annual Food Drive in support of the Wheatland Food Bank. The 2026 campaign will run from February 26 to March 6 and bring together multiple local groups to help stock the Food Bank for months ahead.

Over the past three years, donations to the Wheatland Food Bank have steadily increased. In 2023, residents donated 4,667 pounds of food. The total grew to 4,735 pounds in 2024, and in 2025, the drive collected an impressive 5,456.15 pounds of food.

The need for food support remains significant. According to the Wheatland Food Bank, demand has increased by approximately 60% over the past several years. In 2025, approximately 921 households accessed food hampers, representing nearly 2,900 individuals. The Food Bank’s drop-in program has served over 3,000 households, supporting more than 9,000 individuals throughout the year.

“The Town of Strathmore’s Fire Department Food Drive is one of our largest food drives of the year and has a huge impact,” said Lynette Aschenbrenner, Food Bank Manager at Wheatland Food Bank, adding that “Every piece of food helps feed everyone right now.”

"Supporting the annual Food Drive has become an important tradition in Strathmore," said Mayor Pat Fule. "I'm proud of how Strathmore continues to step up year after year and thank the Strathmore Fire Department for their efforts."

This year’s drive is a collaborative effort involving members of the Strathmore Fire Department, RCMP, Family & Community Support Services, Town Operations, Wheatland EMS, and Municipal Enforcement. Volunteers will distribute donation bags to select neighborhoods on February 26, 2026, and will return to collect filled bags on March 6, 2026. Residents who do not receive a bag but wish to contribute may drop off donations at the Strathmore Fire Hall between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the campaign period.

The Town of Strathmore encourages residents to participate in the 2026 Food Drive and help continue the community tradition for the Wheatland Food Bank.