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Edmonton Pharmacies Partner with NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank to Launch Donor Milk Dispensaries for Infants in Need

Edmonton, AB (May 6, 2025) – NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank and North Central Co-op are excited to announce a new partnership to offer pasteurized human donor milk through the Chappelle and Hawkstone Co-op Pharmacies. This life-saving initiative will provide a much-needed local option for families in the Edmonton area who require donor milk for their babies.

NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank is Canada’s only community-based milk bank, providing screened, pasteurized donor milk to fragile and ill babies in hospitals and in the community. While the organization has long supported Edmonton-area hospitals, this partnership marks the first time donor milk will be available directly to families through retail pharmacies in the city.

The new dispensary locations mean families can access donor milk without paying for shipping, which is particularly helpful when only a small amount is needed. With extended hours and weekend availability, Co-op Pharmacies offer greater convenience and peace of mind for parents needing immediate support.

“Having milk available when it’s needed most is a game-changer for families with sick or premature babies,” says Jannette Festival, Executive Director of NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank. “We are thrilled to partner with North Central Co-op—an organization that shares our deep commitment to supporting community health and well-being.”

NorthernStar provides donor milk on a cost-recovery basis and ensures families in financial need are supported through its Medical Relief Fund. As a charitable organization, NorthernStar relies on community support and partnerships like this one to help ensure that no baby goes without the milk they need.

“At North Central Co-op, we are committed to helping our communities thrive, and that includes supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments,” says Noreen Walji, Director, Pharmacy at North Central Co-op. “We’re proud to partner with NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank to make donor milk more accessible for Edmonton families and help give babies the best possible start in life.”

Donor milk is now available at the following locations:

• Co-op Pharmacy (Chappelle) – 587-759-5300, 1025 Chappelle Boulevard SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 0C3
• Co-op Pharmacy (Hawkstone) – 780-428-3907, 18370 Lessard Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6M 2X5

About North Central Co-operative Association – North Central Co-op is a member-owned co-operative governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors. The Association has proudly served North Central Alberta for more than 75 years. Today, North Central Co-op serves more than 140,000 members—and many more customers–in Edmonton, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Legal, and Edson. It operates Food, Pharmacy, Gas, Convenience, Home Centre, and Liquor stores. The Co-op brand is built on the idea of being truly local and the promise of staying that way.