The steady hum of conversation filled the room as volunteers arranged fresh produce on wooden shelves. A mother with two children carefully selected items while chatting with a staff member about summer meal options. This scene played out last Wednesday, not in the confined basement space longtime Jasper residents might recognize, but in the Food Bank’s bright new location on Patricia Street.
“We’ve finally got a space that matches the dignity we want to provide to our clients,” said Pattie Pavlov, Executive Director of the Jasper Food Bank Society, as she guided me through their newly renovated headquarters. “This summer, we’re keeping the doors open throughout the season, which hasn’t always been possible in previous years.”
The Food Bank’s grand opening celebration last week marked more than just a change of address. It signaled a fundamental shift in how the organization can serve Jasper’s seasonal workers, families, and seniors who experience food insecurity in a town where living costs continue to outpace wages.
According to Tourism Jasper statistics, summer employment brings approximately 2,000 seasonal workers to the mountain community. For many, the combination of high rental costs and entry-level wages creates significant pressure on food budgets.
“Last summer, we saw nearly 40% more visitors than the previous year,” Pavlov noted, gesturing toward a wall chart tracking client visits. “With staffing shortages across hospitality, many workers aren’t getting the hours they expected. That’s why staying open this summer isn’t optional – it’s essential.”
The new location offers several practical improvements: street-level access eliminates the steep stairs that posed challenges for elderly clients and parents with strollers; refrigeration capacity has doubled, allowing for more fresh produce and dairy; and the sorting room now accommodates twice as many volunteers.
Longtime volunteer Mary Henderson paused while stocking shelves to share her perspective. “In the old basement, we were practically climbing over each other during busy distribution days. Now, we can actually have conversations with clients about their needs without feeling rushed.”
The summer hours announcement comes with modifications designed to accommodate tourism-season work schedules. The Food Bank will operate Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with emergency appointments available by request.
Parks Canada visitor data shows Jasper National Park typically sees over 2.5 million visitors between May and September. This influx creates the paradoxical situation where many service workers struggle to afford food in a town flush with tourist dollars.
Town councillor Helen McPherson, who attended the grand opening, reflected on this contrast. “We’re proud of Jasper’s world-class hospitality, but that reputation is built on the backs of workers who often struggle to make ends meet. Having the Food Bank commit to summer operations helps bridge that gap.”
The organization’s summer commitment required additional fundraising. A community-wide effort raised $57,000 through donations from local businesses, with matching funds from the Jasper Community Foundation. These resources enabled the hiring of a part-time summer coordinator and covered the increased rent at the new location.
“We’re paying about $600 more monthly for this space,” Pavlov explained, “but the accessibility benefits alone justify the cost. Plus, we’re now positioned along the main street where tourists and locals alike can drop donations more easily.”
The Food Bank has introduced several new initiatives alongside the relocation. A recipe exchange program provides meal ideas using commonly available food bank items. Additionally, a partnership with the Community Garden ensures weekly deliveries of fresh produce throughout the growing season.
Single mother and frequent client Sarah Wilson (name changed to protect privacy) shared how these changes will impact her family. “Last summer, I had to choose between taking shifts and finding food when the Food Bank’s hours were limited. With evening hours on Thursdays, I can work my restaurant job and still pick up what we need.”
Food security experts note that tourist destinations like Jasper face unique challenges. Dr. Melanie Carson from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health explained in a phone interview: “Seasonal communities experience dramatic swings in population and employment. Food banks in these areas must be adaptable in ways urban services aren’t forced to consider.”
Statistics from Food Banks Alberta show that resort communities typically see 30-45% higher food bank usage during peak tourism seasons, despite higher employment rates. This counterintuitive pattern reflects the precarious nature of seasonal work and housing instability.
The Food Bank’s board has committed to evaluating the summer program at season’s end, with hopes of making year-round, expanded operations permanent.
“We’re tracking everything – client numbers, volunteer hours, most-requested items,” said board member James Fulton. “The data will help us build a sustainable model for the future.”
As I prepared to leave, I watched a young man in a hotel uniform quietly enter, clearly on his lunch break. The volunteer at the reception desk greeted him by name, no paperwork required. This moment perhaps best illustrated what the new location and summer hours truly mean – removing barriers for those who need support in a community where the spectacular mountain backdrop sometimes overshadows the struggle for basics.
For details about donating, volunteering, or accessing services, the Jasper Food Bank welcomes inquiries at their new Patricia Street location during operating hours or through their community services hotline.
