I’ve just left Red Deer Food Bank where volunteers were unloading what looked like mountains of potatoes from a local farmer’s delivery truck. The scene reminded me why I got into journalism – to capture these moments where community support becomes tangible, especially during tough economic times.
Larry Burdek, a third-generation potato farmer from Lacombe County, quietly delivered another 27,497 kilograms of potatoes to the Red Deer Food Bank last Tuesday, bringing his total donations this season to more than 54,000 kg. As food prices continue to climb across Alberta, these contributions have become a lifeline for many families.
“I’ve been blessed with good land and good harvests,” Burdek told me as volunteers hustled around us, sorting his Russet potatoes into family-sized bags. “My parents taught me that when you have extra, you share it with your neighbours. These days, our neighbourhood just happens to be a bit bigger.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Recent Statistics Canada data shows food prices in Alberta have increased by nearly 11% over the past year, with the cost of fresh vegetables rising even faster. Kimberley Schroeder, Executive Director at the Red Deer Food Bank, says demand for their services has jumped 37% since this time last year.
“Each potato means something to the families we serve,” Schroeder explained. “A donation of this size means we can provide nutritious options to roughly 3,000 households throughout central Alberta.”
What makes Burdek’s contribution remarkable isn’t just its size but its reliability. This marks his fifth major donation in three years. While many food banks across the province report declining corporate donations amid economic uncertainty, individual farmers like Burdek are stepping up.
“Farmers understand food security in a way others might not,” said Debbie Neddow, a regular food bank volunteer who helped coordinate the delivery. “They see the full cycle from soil to table. Larry doesn’t just donate what won’t sell – these are premium potatoes that could fetch good market prices.”
The donation comes as Alberta’s agricultural community faces its own challenges. Rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and mounting concern about water access have created significant pressure on farmers across the province.
Tom Kootstra, Chair of the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council, notes that generous gestures like Burdek’s represent the spirit of the farming community despite these challenges. “Alberta’s farmers have always supported their communities in tough times. It’s part of our heritage and values system.”
The potatoes themselves tell a story of resilience. Last summer’s drought threatened many crops across central Alberta, but Burdek’s irrigation investments and careful land management helped him produce a surplus. Rather than storing the extra yield or selling at reduced prices, he chose to donate.
Inside the food bank, I watched as families received their allotments. One mother of three, who preferred not to be named, explained how these potatoes would become at least four meals for her family. “My kids love potatoes – mashed, baked, in stews. When you’re trying to make grocery money stretch, versatile foods like this are everything.”
Food insecurity isn’t new to Alberta, but the sharp increase in working families needing assistance has alarmed social service agencies. According to Food Banks Alberta, one in five food bank users now has full-time employment but still can’t make ends meet with current housing costs and inflation.
Provincial support for food security initiatives has been inconsistent in recent years. While the Alberta government announced a one-time $10 million investment in food banks last October, funding for sustainable food security programs remains below what advocates say is needed.
“We’re grateful for every government dollar,” Schroeder told me, “but consistent support would help us plan better. Right now, we rely heavily on community heroes like Larry.”
Burdek brushes off any suggestion that his actions are extraordinary. As we walked through rows of bagged potatoes, he pointed out that farming has always been about feeding people. “My grandfather used to say a farmer’s job isn’t done until everyone has eaten. I’m just doing my part.”
The logistics of moving nearly 30,000 kg of potatoes aren’t simple. Local transportation companies donated trucks and drivers to help with this latest delivery. Students from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School’s agriculture program volunteered during their lunch break to help sort and bag.
“It’s a community effort,” said Jennifer Davidson, the school’s agriculture teacher. “Our students are learning that food systems involve everyone, from farmers to consumers, with many hands in between.”
For Burdek, who started farming with his father at age 15, these donations connect him to a deeper purpose. “Farming isn’t just a business. It’s a responsibility. When prices at the grocery store mean some kids might go without, that hurts me personally.”
As central Alberta prepares for another potentially difficult winter, Burdek has already committed to additional donations before Christmas. He’s also working with neighboring farmers to coordinate similar contributions of carrots, onions, and other storage crops.
“One farmer can’t solve hunger,” Burdek acknowledged, “but we can make sure nobody in our community goes without basic food. That’s something I can actually do.”
As I left the food bank, volunteers were already planning how to distribute this bounty efficiently. The potatoes would be heading to community kitchens, school lunch programs, and directly to families throughout Red Deer and surrounding communities – a testament to one farmer’s generosity and the ripple effect it creates across central Alberta.
