Leduc Food Bank mourns loss of founder Charles Klass

LEDUC -- The founder of the Leduc and District Food Bank passed away on July 24, 2026.

Charles Klass started the organization in his garage in the spring of 1981 when he saw a need during the recession of the early 1980's. The community rallied around Klass, and the food bank grew as the demand on its services was recognized. It was officially incorporated in February of 1984 as a registered society with charitable status.

Since that time, the Leduc and District Food Bank has continued the vision originally set out by its founder member, and has become a staple in the community in its efforts to support individuals and families facing food insecurity in our region. In a recent statement, the LDFB expressed its appreciation for Charles Klass in establishing the organization.

"Charles saw a need in our community and took action, creating something that has continued to support and care for thousands of individuals and families over the years," said the LDFB. "His compassion, vision, and commitment to helping others created a legacy that continues through the work of the Food Bank today."

Charles was born in 1949 in the village of Sisters, Guyana. His obituary notes him as a cherished brother of Kenneth, Michael, Sharon, and George, and as a devoted husband of Angelica Klass and a proud father to four children. A celebration of life for the late Charles Klass was held on July 31, 2026, at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Edmonton.

In 2025, the Leduc and District Food Bank distributed more than 731,000 lbs of food. This comes as nearly 1,100 families across Leduc County accessed local food hampers last year. Of the hundreds of thousands of foods distributed throughout the region, 425,010 lbs were handed out in the City of Leduc, 87,857 in Beaumont, 53,467 in Devon, and 40,706 in the rural county.