DeAnne Lightning's schedule for Food Banks Alberta 2025 Conference

We are thrilled to invite you to join us at the Red Deer Resort & Casino for our annual conference dedicated to addressing food insecurity and exploring innovative ways to support our communities. Throughout the conference, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations. Together, we will explore practical strategies to combat hunger, strengthen food banking efforts, and build lasting connections that will help make a positive impact on our province’s most vulnerable.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this important conversation, your voice is crucial in shaping the future of food banks in Alberta.

Let’s come together to create solutions, spark ideas, and build a stronger, more resilient community.

DeAnne Lightning

Ermineskin Food Bank

Manager

Maskwacis

About me

I have been the Manager of the Ermineskin Food Bank located on the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta for over 10 years. I have seen a lot of changes over the years and am very proud of the program we've created to help our Nation members and friends. Like all Food Banks, we have had to overcome some huge obstacles and continuously adapt to the changing environment due to Covid-19. We are constantly updating our policies and procedures to support a healthy atmosphere and aid in the changing needs of our clients. In the last 2 years our hamper requirements have more than doubled and our clientele has increased by more than 200%. Navigating different ways to assist our Nation throughout this pandemic has not been easy, and like all Food Bank workers everywhere, we are frustrated and exhausted. However, we are so proud to be a part of the Food Bank community that stands together to support each other. We look forward to meeting other front line workers again, face to face. Congratulations to you all on a job well done. See you soon