Feeding Hope through the Edmonton Food Bank with Marjorie Bencz

In this heartfelt episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes Marjorie Bencz, C.M., Executive Director of the Edmonton Food Bank, to talk about food insecurity in our community and the power of collective giving.


Marjorie shares her 36-year journey with the Edmonton Food Bank, explaining how economic challenges have driven record levels of need. The Edmonton Food Bank now serves over 40,000 people every month, supplying food hampers, school programs, shelters, and community partners across the city.


Len and Marjorie discuss practical ways Albertans can help, from donating food or funds online to volunteering for warehouse shifts, food drives, or special events like Candy Cane Lane and Ken “Truck Guy” Mandan’s annual Christmas campaign. Marjorie highlights the Edmonton Food Bank’s “gleaning” model, where 60% of donated food comes from reclaimed surplus items from grocery stores, farms, and food producers.


This episode reminds us that small, consistent acts of giving—can by can and dollar by dollar—add up to a massive impact for families in need.


About Marjorie Bencz






Marjorie Bencz, C.M., is the longtime Executive Director of the Edmonton Food Bank. Joining as a volunteer in 1987 and stepping into leadership in 1989, she has dedicated more than three decades to building one of Canada’s most effective community food programs. Under her leadership, the Food Bank has expanded to serve tens of thousands monthly and supports over many other local organizations.


Marjorie was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her lifelong dedication to alleviating hunger and poverty, and she continues to be a passionate advocate for community cooperation and compassion.


Resources discussed in this episode:

• Ken Man Dan (Can Man Dan)’s Holiday Food and Toy Drive (https://www.canmandan.org/events)
• Candy Cane Lane Edmonton (https://www.crestwoodcommunityleague....)
• Hope Mission Edmonton
(https://hopemission.com/) —





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Contact Marjorie Bencz | Edmonton Food Bank:

• Website: EdmontonsFoodBank.com (https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com)
• LinkedIn: Edmonton Food Bank (  / yegfoodbank  )
• LinkedIn: Marjorie Bencz (  / marjorie-bencz-1b525790  )
• Facebook: Edmonton’s  Food Bank (  / yegfoodbank  )
• Twitter/X: @yegfoodbank (  / yegfoodbank  )
• Instagram: @edmontonfoodbank
(https://www.instagram.com/yegfoodbank...)