A food charity in southern Alberta has closed its doors for good after public health inspectors discovered several significant health concerns at its facility. Alberta Health Services says health inspectors ordered the Southern Community Food Security Society in Raymond, Alta., to close earlier this month after a health inspection discovered several conditions which could be “injurious or dangerous to the public health.” Those findings, outlined in a letter, include evidence of mouse droppings, more than 600 dozen eggs being kept without proper refrigeration, expired baby formula and open overhead doors that allowed pests to get inside the building. It also said three cats were seen inside the food establishment at various times throughout the inspection. The establishment — located at 4-257 Railway Avenue and in operation since 2022 — operated as a food bank and thrift store for the town of roughly 4,000 people, just southeast of Lethbridge. AHS says the charity’s owner Betty Loder verbally confirmed receiving the notice on Aug. 14. ‘Final point to the decision’ The letter from health inspectors said Loder could reopen the establishment after throwing away expired food, cleaning and sanitizing all areas where mouse droppings were discovered, installing proper handwashing and food sanitation sinks and ensuring there was a proper food safety plan in place. But on Aug. 17, the charity shared a message on social media saying it had shuttered permanently. Loder said the visit from AHS inspectors was the final straw for the charity. “This has been a decision that’s been hard to make,” Loder told CTV News. “That was just the final point to the decision.” Loder says it’s been difficult for the charity to keep up with labour demands. She says the organization received no government funding and relied on volunteers to keep its doors open. She says the six volunteers who kept the charity running were “burning out” and they needed at least another dozen full-time volunteers to keep up with the increasing demand for service in the community. Loder challenged AHS’s allegation of mouse droppings in the facility. “I immediately got my husband to investigate. It turned out that it was black rice and two dead bugs,” she said, adding the health inspector “refused to rescind that allegation.” Loder added the closure also stemmed from a “lack of support” from the municipal government. A statement from the Town of Raymond said it “recognizes and appreciates” the contributions of the charity. “Raymond has always been a community that looks out for its neighbours, and we hope that spirit continues as we look ahead,” Mayor Bryce Coppieters said in a statement. Growing food insecurity The real hurt in closing the charity for Loder is seeing a much-needed service shutter. “I know the demand (for food) is real. I know that food insecurity is real,” Loder said. Alberta has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in Canada, according to Food Banks Alberta. It says 28 per cent of the province’s population accesses food banks compared to the national average of 24 per cent of Canadians needing food bank services. Children make up 36 per cent of those who access a food bank each year, Food Banks Alberta says. A review of registered food banks with Food Banks Alberta shows the closest registered food bank is located in Lethbridge — about a 35 kilometre drive away. The Town of Raymond says anyone experiencing food insecurity can access one of three Little Free Pantry locations in town, which provides basic food and hygiene items. Residents can also contact local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for help. ‘A roadblock’ Despite closing down in Raymond, Loder says she plans on opening another food charity to help feed those in need in southern Alberta. “It’s my heart and soul. It’s my baby. We created this and molded this,” she said. “This isn’t a closure. It’s a roadblock. I won’t open up in the Town of Raymond again… but I will open again.” — With files from Karsen Marczuk
