Claresholm town council reduces food bank rent to $1 for 2026

By Rob Vogt
In a split vote, Claresholm town council has agreed to lower the rent for the Claresholm Food Bank to $1 for 2026 with it being re-evaluated in October 2026 in a meeting between the food bank and town council.
The decision came at council’s Jan. 12 meeting after a lengthy discussion.
Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained representatives of the food bank came to council on Nov. 24 to discuss their operations and request rent relief from the town. The food bank rents its space from the town for $550 per month and requested council waive some or all of the rent for 2026 while they try to stabilize their funding.
The food bank reported they are increasing their fundraising efforts because traditional supports have changed, leading to more expensive operations and dwindling operational reserves. They are thus seeking to reduce operating expenses via a reduction in rent.
Mayor Brad Schlossberger, Coun. Seth Wagner and Tinney met with the board of the food bank on Jan. 7.
Schlossberger said they learned the food bank is being mandated by the Canadian Food Bank Association to become part of a standard of excellence program at a cost of $7,000 annually.
They also need a computer to input the data from their operations into that standard of excellence program.
If they do not comply, they will not receive the allotment of food they get from the Canadian Food Bank Association.
Wagner added the standard of excellence certification is needed to receive grants too.
Coun. Rod Kettles wanted to see the food bank’s financial statements.
Wagner said there was a stigma around the food bank in the past, but there is new leadership and they want to be transparent and work with the Town of Claresholm. They have reduced the stigma, and are an important service to the community.
Coun. Kandice Meister agreed they provide an important service to the community. However, the town rents space to other services who can pay their monthly bills.
She said $550 per month is a fair price, adding whether the food bank gets a break on their rent or not won’t be a big factor in their success or failure.
Meister said reducing the food bank’s rent felt unfair to other community organizations.
Coun. David Knox asked if council gave a break to the food bank, how would that look to other organizations in town who may have less money than the food bank.
Schlossberger said the break would be for one year.
Tinney said saving $550 a month would not solve the problem but is part of the solution, combined with a number of other measures the food bank is trying.
“Together, those measures will make a difference,” he said.
Tinney also pointed out other community groups who rent space from the town pay $1 so them seeking rent relief is not realistic.
He also noted some groups have steady funding sources, such as family and community support services, which has steady funding. The food bank’s fundraising sources have dwindled and nothing is guaranteed.
Kettles said he was not in favour of rent forgiveness, but instead a cash donation. That is something council has done with other groups.
Wagner asked what the difference would be?
Schlossberger said his concern is if a grant is given for one year, they may come back in a year asking for the grant again.
Knox reiterated $6,000 is short-term, a band aid and won’t solve anything.
Wagner said this is a gesture to work together. After all, it can also be said the $6,000 is not that much for the town.
Coun. Kieth Carlson said provincially he has seen the demand go up for food bank services.
Meister repeated her view other groups have to pay their expenses.
Tinney said other groups have fee structures to raise revenue. People don’t have to pay for food at the food bank.
Carlson said the $550 per month was not to help the food bank, but to help the people who use it.
In the end council agreed to lower the rent for the Claresholm Food Bank to $1 for 2026 with it being re-evaluated in October 2026.
All of council voted in favour except Knox who was opposed and Coun. Craig Zimmer who was absent.