Root Cellar receives accreditation in Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 10, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub has been accredited through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence program, a mark of not only meeting but clearing the bar for service quality.

“This is a huge moment for us,” said executive director Melissa Mullis. “It confirms what we already know: that our team is doing exceptional, meaningful work.”

The accreditation celebrates the Root Cellar’s commitment to their work, and signifies that the local foot bank is exceeding national standards in areas like food safety, client care, operations and overall service.

“The Standards of Excellence are used by food banks across the country to guide best practices and help us all stay accountable to the people they serve. For them, it’s about showing up for the community with care, consistency and a commitment to doing better,”reads a statement from the Root Cellar.

“Last year alone, we supported over 7,000 individuals across our community, families, kids, students’ seniors and newcomers,” said Mullis. “Every program we run, from our Emergency Food pantry to Brown Bag Lunches to Healthy Bundles, is rooted in dignity and connection. This accreditation affirms that we’re on the right track, and inspires us to keep growing.”

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