BLACKFALDS, AB – On Wednesday, August 25 the Beyond Food Community Hub in Blackfalds, Alta celebrated a $100,000 contribution from MEGlobal Canada ULC, paving the way for a facility renovation and the establishment of the MEGlobal Community Kitchen.
In December, 2020, the Town of Blackfalds generously donated its former fire hall to the organization to enable it to expand its services to meet the community’s growing need. However, the facility needed significant renovations to change it from a fire hall to a food bank, so the group faced the daunting task of raising money in the midst of a pandemic.
Then representatives from MEGlobal Canada ULC learned of the project and offered a $100,000 contribution for the renovations, including the MEGlobal Community Kitchen to provide monthly cooking sessions, programs for children and youth, and education about meals on a budget and meals for seniors.
“All the programs will address food insecurity, reduce social isolation and improve food and cooking skills, social and nutritional health and empowering community members,” said Karie Ackerman, Beyond Food Community Hub executive director.
She said when she sent the request for funding, she never imagined MEGlobal would provide the entire amount.
“When I got that phone call I was thrilled and overjoyed to hear the news. It is absolutely amazing what this donation will do for us,” she said
The group celebrated the contribution with a small ceremony with the group’s board of directors, Town of Blackfalds officials, MEGlobal representatives and volunteers of the organization at the facility on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
The Beyond Food Community Hub is located at 5014 Waghorn Street and is open every Monday and the first and third Wednesday each month. More information about the services they provide is available by calling 403.600.1768 or Blackfalds Food Bank Facebook page.
For editorial information contact Trish Thompson, Ph. 832-802-0997, Thompspd@meglobal.biz
Karie Ackermann, Executive Director, Beyond Food Community Hub, 403.600.1768 beyondfoodhub@gmail.com
MEGlobal is a global leader in the manufacture and marketing of ethylene glycol (EG). With a worldwide network, MEGlobal markets its products throughout Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. MEGlobal embraces the principles of Responsible Care®, focusing on the safety of employees, neighbors, communities and the environment in every aspect of its operations. As a subsidiary of EQUATE Petrochemical Company (EQUATE), MEGlobal is part of the EQUATE Group which is the world’s second largest producer of EG. Visit www.meglobal.biz for more information.