Lori McRitchie’s Legacy of Leadership and Impact on the Airdrie Food Bank
Lori McRitchie, the Executive Director of the Airdrie Food Bank, has been an integral part of the Airdrie community since 1981, working in various roles, including her leadership of the R.J. Hawkey Breakfast Program since 1998.
Lori’s dedication to service, leadership, and community building has shaped the food bank into a vital resource for families in need. Her exemplary work has earned her numerous accolades, including the
National Excellence in Food Banking Award in 2017, the Amazing Airdrie Women 2012 Leadership Award, the Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the title of Airdrie’s Citizen of the Year in 2013. Most recently, Lori was named Citizen of the Year again in 2024, recognizing her continued impact and service to the community. She was also honoured as a Food Bank Hero at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Olympic swimmer Penny Oleksiak in a campaign to raise funds for food banks across Canada.
As Executive Director, Lori has navigated numerous challenges, from operating in a small trailer to the complexities of building a brand-new,
purpose-built food bank to better serve the community. During the pandemic, the food bank had to swiftly adapt its services to meet a surge in demand.
Despite these hurdles, Lori’s most significant achievement has been uniting the Airdrie community to support the creation of a larger, more efficient food bank, which has allowed the organization to expand its reach while maintaining its community-centred mission. Lori’s leadership and steadfast commitment to "neighbors helping neighbors" have left an enduring legacy. After nearly two decades of exceptional service, Lori will retire in September 2025, leaving behind a food bank that is stronger, more efficient, and more connected than ever.
Thank you Airdrie
Share your well wishes and be part of a special gift presentation to Lori.
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I have been blessed to spend the past twenty years of my life walking with you, the people of Airdrie and area, caring for our neighbours. Bringing community together to help those in need has filled my heart and soul, given me joy and filled hungry tummies. Having enough to eat is a basic human right. It is an actionable way to be a community that is practical and tangible. Every can dropped off at a grocery store, every bag of garden produce grown with care, each dollar received so milk can go to families or lunches made for schools, has been made possible because of individual acts of generosity. Together, these simple actions have changed lives.
Our neighbors have moved from feeling despair because they cannot feed their families, to experiencing belonging and gratitude that others care enough to support them when they are at down. We continue to operate with a core value being give when you can and receive when you need. This is the foundation of what community should do. You, neighbors and friends, have lived this so well. You have recognized a need and chosen to support.
Individuals, families, community organizations, schools, churches, businesses, sports teams, partner agencies, you have all played a significant role in making Airdrie a community that cares. One who helps with a hand up when others struggle. I have seen this good will acted out day after day is ways that have set us apart and have demonstrated what we can achieve together.
To the individuals and groups that volunteer at the food bank, we know we couldn’t operate without your dedication. Your willingness to share your time and talents with others has had an incredible impact on how we are able to support our community. I thank each one of you with sincere gratitude.
Stepping down from my role as director of the food bank comes with mixed emotions.
Thankfulness tops the list. I am also sad to have this adventure come to an end. Please know I will carry the memories of individuals, joined together to a common purpose, as long as I live. I have said many times, “I have the best job ever” and it is because of you.
I know and trust that the Airdrie Food Bank with the amazing guidance of the Board, with Meghan leading the way, the amazing staff team will continue to set the bar high. We will continue to do more than most food banks do, will feed more, will continue to create opportunities for belonging and walk in partnership with our community.
This is not goodbye, I will see you around, at events, volunteering, connecting, and belonging together with you.
Thanks for everything. It has been an amazing 20 years!
Lori McRitchie
A message from the Board of Directors
My name is Alexa Young
As Board President of the Airdrie Food Bank, on behalf of the current Board and all past Boards, it is my distinct honor to extend our deepest gratitude to Lori for her nearly 20 years of dedicated leadership. Since the inception of the Food Bank, Lori has been its guiding force, leading it through every stage of growth and solidifying its place as an essential institution within our community. Her vision in not only upholding but developing and nurturing the mission that has guided our efforts is unmatched. Her unwavering commitment to those in need has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Lori has not only shaped the identity of the Food Bank but has also become a beacon of hope for our entire city. Twice named Citizen of the Year, she has been a beloved figure who exemplifies what it means to serve with compassion, vision, and resilience. Under her leadership, the Food Bank has grown stronger, more capable, and better equipped to meet the needs of our community, regardless of the challenges it has faced.
While Lori has made the well-earned decision to retire, we are fortunate to have her stay with us for the next year, helping to shepherd the organization through this important transition. She leaves the Food Bank in a strong and stable position, with a dedicated and well-structured team ready to carry forward her legacy and continue the vital work she started. Thanks to her leadership, the Food Bank is well-prepared to thrive long into the future.
On behalf of all the Boards and an entire community, thank you, Lori, for your remarkable service. You have left an extraordinary impact that will never be forgotten.
Paul Brophy
Board President
Airdrie Food Bank
A message from
Lori McRitchie
My name is Alexa Young
Dear Airdrie Community Members,
I am writing this letter to let you know that I have made the decision and set the date for my retirement from my role as Executive Director at the Airdrie Food Bank. I have given the timing of my retirement much thought and in the planning of this announcement I have considered what would work best for the food bank and for myself. My last day of work will be September 30, 2025.
Please know that I will continue to work through the next months, doing what is best for the food bank.
Working with you, clients, staff, local businesses, partner agencies, service clubs, individuals, families, school communities, volunteers and fellow food banks has been a blessing. It truly has been a gift to have had the privilege of working side by side being “Neighbours Helping Neighbours”
I will continue to work at the food bank for the next months to ensure the transition happens in the best way possible. I hope that I can connect with you personally in the coming months to express my sincere gratitude for your support over the years.
I thank you for your belief in the work of the food bank, your support, and your vision for a community where no one goes hungry.
Lori McRitchie
Executive Director
Airdrie Food Bank
The Airdrie Food Bank is proud to announce the appointment of Meghan West as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2025. With an extensive background in community engagement, strategic planning, and food security programs, Meghan brings a wealth of expertise to the role and a deep commitment to fostering relationships that strengthen the organization’s mission.
Meghan has been a dedicated leader at the Airdrie Food Bank since 2016, previously serving as Programs Manager, where she oversaw key community initiatives, budget management, and volunteer development. Her leadership in program development and funding management has been instrumental in securing and administering grant funding to support critical food programs in Airdrie.
Her educational background includes a Master of Education in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies from the University of Victoria, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Her academic expertise in nutrition, leadership, and community-focused education has shaped her approach to driving impactful food security programs and fostering sustainable partnerships.
“The Airdrie Food Bank has been a cornerstone of support for our community, and I’m honored to step into this leadership role,” says Meghan West. “I look forward to strengthening our programs, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring that no one in Airdrie goes hungry.”
The board and staff of the Airdrie Food Bank are excited to welcome Meghan West as Executive Director and are confident that her vision and leadership will continue to enhance the organization's vital work in food security and community empowerment.
