Rock and Wrap It Up Thrives at Rexall Place

Freezer space at Edmonton’s Food Bank became a little more limited last Wednesday as over 1,200 pounds of prepared hamburgers, sausages, pastas and chicken were donated through Rock and Wrap It Up. The program, in partnership with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF), Northlands and Dominion Sports Service (DSS), assists in the fight against hunger by donating prepared, but unserved food from Oilers, Oil Kings games, and other events at Rexall Place.

From this donation alone, Edmonton’s Food Bank will be able to provide over 950 meals for its agencies – an opportunity local non-profit groups jump at to ensure their clients are fed.

“The food that we received today is great quality food; it’s diverse food that we don’t usually see coming to the Food Bank and we’re going to be turning that over to some soup kitchens who will be serving it to people who will be very thankful for those gifts,” said Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank.

DSS’s food preparation team is quick to flash freeze and label any remaining food after events at Rexall Place to ensure it meets health codes. Food donations have ranged anywhere from chicken and steak to pizza and chili, and provide a hearty meal for those in need.

“This particular program has meant that donors have had to make a big commitment to its success,” said Bencz. “They’ve made sure that the food is put in food-safe containers, it’s flash frozen, brought to the Food Bank and that it’s safe throughout the whole process.”

With the addition of Wednesday’s drop-off, a total of 5,747 pounds of food have been donated so far this season, creating 4,416 meals for Edmonton’s less fortunate. And it isn’t over yet. With an Oil Kings playoff run right around the corner and a slew of summer concerts on the horizon, donations are sure to grow in support of Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“The Oilers Foundation is incredibly proud to share in the success of Rock and Wrap It Up,” said Natalie Minckler, Executive Director of the EOCF. “To think that all this food could have gone to waste rather than benefit other people, it’s clear this program is win-win for everyone involved.”

Since its inception in 2010, a total of 21,938 pounds of food have been donated, providing 16,930 meals to Edmonton’s Food Bank. To learn more about Edmonton’s Food Bank and how you can help in the fight against hunger, please visit edmontonsfoodbank.com.