Oilers combating food insecurity by donating excess food from Rogers Place

A buffet at Rogers Place. (rogersplace.com)

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is working to make sure leftover food at Rogers Place after events doesn’t go to waste.

The foundation is partnering with Second Harvest and La Tablée des Chefs in an enhanced food recovery program.

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“On any given night, our goal is for the last dish to be placed as service concludes, or the final hot dog to sell just before the event ends,” said Fabian Ffrench, the executive chef at Rogers Place, in a news release.

“Despite these meticulous efforts, some surplus food is inevitable, and recovery initiatives like these will help make a meaningful impact in the community.”

After hockey games and live events at Rogers Place, the surplus food is collected and redistributed to local charities such as Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“This collaboration is a fantastic example of how we can turn surplus food into vital meals for those in need, tackling food waste and food insecurity at the same time,” said Lori Nikkel, the CEO of Second Harvest in a news release.

“Together, we’re creating a lasting impact and making sure that everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.”

Since the enhanced program started, on Jan. 28, 1,813 servings of food, 544 kg worth, have been donated.

In February, Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins held a meet-and-greet event where people had to bring a food bank donation.

• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins meeting fans in Edmonton Wednesday