The Calgary Food Bank
About us
The Calgary Food Bank is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis. Once the food emergency is addressed, we refer food bank clients to our proven partner agencies and programs. Our deep collaboration and food support to hundreds of other charitable organizations that address the root causes of food insecurity aligns with our mission to work with our community to fight hunger.
We are the city’s main charitable food hub and the most accessible food bank in Calgary serving families, individuals and organizations. We are not a government or United Way agency. We rely solely on the generous support of the community. Together, we fight hunger and its root causes because no one should go hungry.
Feeding YYC
We relieve food insecurity and provide support for clients who are experiencing emergency situations. We alleviate the stress of wondering where the next meal is coming from.
Volunteerism
Partnerships
Our History
Who we are
At the same time the enormous economic downturn in Alberta as a direct result of the National Energy Program forced thousands of oil industry workers into unemployment. Many declared bankruptcy and also remained unemployed or underemployed for five years. The need for a food bank was greater than ever.
During this time, the Food Bank also began to partner with manufacturers, transportation companies and distributors to redirect usable but unwanted food. Food shipments that may be turned down by retailers for many reasons such as outdated packaging; unsold product due to consumer shortfalls; as well as items past their best-before dates. This food was usable, fit for consumption and allowed us to fill pantries, not landfills, from the very beginning.
Since the early days, partnerships were established with trucking companies and distribution centres to divert refused trailers of food from the landfill to the Food Bank. Then in 2007, the Calgary Food Bank formed a Food Industry Advisory Committee, consisting of industry senior management and owners. An infrastructure was created to redirect products that cannot be sold due to short date, damage, refusal, overstock, packaging issues, end of run or seasonal issues, at the same time maintaining a safe supply of nutritious food for clients and charities. By 2013, 82% of the food collected came from the food industry partnerships.
Mission
Together, we fight hunger and its root causes because no one should go hungry.
Vision
A hunger-free community.
Values
- All people are treated with compassion, dignity, and understanding.
- Our clients deserve the most nutritious food we provide.
- The best way to address food insecurity is in collaboration with others.
- Volunteerism is our strength and primary resource, 90% of critical jobs performed at the Food Bank are done by our volunteers.
- We are accountable to our community for the programs and services we deliver.
- We are responsible and transparent stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our community.
- We encourage leadership at all levels.
- Safety in our operations is paramount.
Did You know?
Fast Facts
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018.
Lives Affected
Volunteer Hours A Year
emergency hampers distributed
Agency Programs
About us
Our History
1982
After a visit to a food bank in Arizona, the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society was created in December of 1982. Operations soon moved from the First Lutheran Church to more spacious quarters with some refrigeration at Baker House. All of the work was carried out by volunteers and two paid staff.
1983
In the fall of 1983 we moved into the basement of the Ross Kerr Building (Kensington NW) Volunteers answered phones, gleaned, stacked, packed and delivered 40 hampers per day and bulk foods to Calgary agencies.
1984
Another move! This time to old supermarket on 5 Street and 8 Avenue SE with Safeway sponsoring rent and utility costs.
1986
Demolition was scheduled for this old Safeway so we were on the move again, this time to a warehouse in south Chinook location (6408 – 1A Street SW).
1989
Incorporated under the Societies Act as the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.
1993
Moved into a larger facility (7475 Flint Road SE) due to the repairs needed at the previous location. Client numbers were also increasing due to social service and welfare cuts, plus changes to the employment insurance rules.
1997
The ‘boom’ of the oil & gas industry saw an influx of people migrating to Alberta. Client numbers continued to increase as many arrived with no secure employment, home or family network.
1999
April 27, 1999 A new Mission Statement was adopted “To gather, provide and distribute emergency food to the hungry in our community, through solicitation of food, funds and services and affiliation with others who share our vision.”
December 1999 Extra food supplies were stored as part of the Y2K preparations in anticipation of large scale computer and technical failures when clocks moved forward to the new millennium.
2000
The Food Bank found a permanent home (5000 – 11 Street SE) in a 60,000 square foot warehouse.
2013
September 12, 2013 Marked 30 years of service with a time capsule ceremony.
June 21, 2013 The flood of the century evacuated 75,000 people from 25 neighbourhoods and closed the downtown core. C.E.M.A put out the call for donations and everyday for more than six weeks, 18,000 lbs of critically-needed food items were sent to 110 organizations on the ground in Calgary, central and southern Alberta.
2014
The Weekends and More program began and supported 240 students in its pilot year.
2015
The Fort McMurray wildfire forced the largest evacuation in Alberta history. We delivered 350,000 pounds of food to area food banks supporting displaced families and raised more than $62,000 for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.
2016
A new mission statement was adopted “Together, we fight hunger and its root causes because no one should go hungry.”
2016-2017
Downturn in the Alberta economy saw a record 184,500 lives affected and 90,860 hampers to families and individuals in crisis
Working together
Our Affiliates
Be part of the change
How you can help
Donate Food
Help create a healthy meal by donating our most needed items.
Donate Funds
Donate funds securely online, by mail or in person.
Volunteer
Donate your time. Volunteers are our lifeblood.
Host an event
Get creative and engage your community, host your own event.
Donate Food
Help create a healthy meal by donating our most needed items.
Host an event
Get creative and engage your community, host your own event.
Donate Funds
Donate funds securely online, by mail or in person.
Volunteer
Donate your time. Volunteers are our lifeblood.
