Every day, organizations across the globe, like Edmonton’s Food Bank in Edmonton, Alberta, work tirelessly to serve their communities.
For the past 45 years, Edmonton’s Food Bank, also known as the Edmonton Gleaners Association, has been a beacon of hope to many. In recent years, they’re seeing demand and needs outpacing the resources of their team.
Operating without government assistance, the Food Bank sought support to meet the growing demand, leading them to the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration AwardsTM program.
Since 2015, Chick-fil-A has awarded more than 400 True Inspiration Award grants totaling about $54 million (US$40 million) to nonprofits across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K. and this year for the first time, Singapore.
Founded to honour the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards celebrate the work of impactful non-profit organizations making an inspiring difference in their local communities in the countries and regions where Chick-fil-A operates. Non-profits are eligible to apply online or be nominated by a local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator.
Now, as a 2026 Global Recipient, Edmonton’s Food Bank will receive a $70,000 grant to help fund its mission to address food insecurity among low-income and vulnerable populations in Edmonton.
“This critical support from Chick-fil-A helps us deliver immediate relief to more families struggling with food insecurity,” said Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director at Edmonton’s Food Bank. “By ensuring access to nutritious food we help children focus on learning with full bellies, seniors struggling to put food on the table, and even support beyond food with self-sufficiency and skill building programming.”
“Because of generous donations from organizations like Chick-fil-A, together, we strengthen the overall wellbeing of our community,” Bencz added.
Edmonton’s Food Bank was chosen as a 2026 recipient because of its work uplifting those in the community by showing care through food. Functioning as a central warehouse for more than 380 partner agencies, including soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and community food depots across Edmonton, the non-profit redistributes more than 5.5 million kilograms (more than 12 million pounds) of food annually.
“We’re so pleased to recognize Edmonton’s Food Bank for delivering care through food to thousands of people each year,” said Karleen Rhodes, Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A West Edmonton Mall. “I’m so moved to see how their dedicated staff and volunteers are truly doing remarkable work to help families in our community.”
Apply for the True Inspiration Awards
The application cycle for the 2027 True Inspiration Awards is now open and will close on May 1, 2026. It includes a new grant category, allowing Chick-fil-A, Inc. Staff members to nominate non-profit organizations making a difference in local communities.
To learn more about the True Inspiration Awards and see the list of 2026 recipients, click here. To learn more about how Chick-fil-A, Inc. gives back to the communities it serves through other global impact initiatives, visit Chick-fil-A.com/global-impact.