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403.253.2059 5000 11 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5

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About

Food insecurity is a serious health problem in Canada. It is associated with poorer health, psychological, social, and emotional outcomes. The existence of food banks is becoming more important as the need for these facilities increases.

In Alberta, one in ten individuals experience food insecurity, with 17% children living in food insecure households. In Calgary, 47% of Calgary Food Bank clients are families with children.

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 largest, 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.

"Who created the food bank?"

The Food Bank was founded in 1982 by religious leaders in the community who were all collecting food and giving it to those in need. They decided to join forces to make the most impact within their community.

"Why was it created?"

It was created to aid Calgarians going through financial strain during the 80’s recession of oil and gas production.

"How many people use it?"

The Calgary Food Bank distributed 262 Emergency Food Hampers per day in 2016

"How many kids do you serve?"

4 in 10 of our clients are children children.

Mission, Vision and Values

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 per cent of critical jobs performed at the Calgary 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

Because of countless thoughtful donations:

170093

Client Visits

9139114

Pounds of Food Distributed

228

Local agencies and programs received food to distribute to their own clients

188

Calls to our emergency hamper request line every day

From our Clients

Who would have ever thought to university-educated, well-traveled people with $200,000 income, two cars, pets and would end up homeless after the flood? Yep, that happened to us! We lost absolutely everything including both dogs. Of course many lives were changed for ever and many where homeless as a result. We're both only children, no parents (both sets deceased) and we had to start from square one. We were fortunate to be housed thanks to U of C alumni for one month. Vacancy rates being as atrocious as they are (less than 1 per cent at the time) equaled horrific circumstances. So, once we found adequate housing, we stocked up our fridge and freezer compliments of the Calgary Food Bank. We came on our own three times and were referred by agencies twice, making that five times. The volunteers on the lines of interaction are awesome. Thank you for everything. We couldn't have made it through without the help of our neighbours.

- A former client

I would have never thought I would be in need of food for my family and have no money to do so. I pay the bills and have no food, or buy food and pay no bills. From a well paying job to no job. But things are slowly turning around. To all of you a heartfelt thank-you! Your patience, understanding, empathy and kindness has made this difficult and embarrassing time a lot easier. myself and my children will not forget! As soon as things are back on track we will be back, but this time to volunteer. To help others as you have all helped us. All our best to you and your families.

- A former client

This place is so wonderful, helpful and friendly! The amazing generosity is a plus, too! As someone coming just for myself, not a family, you probably gave me enough food for a month! Thank you so much! P.S. The woman helper in the foyer with the side snapped hat, so elegant and nice!

- A former client

We want to immensely thank all the workers here who make the provisions possible. May God bless you all.

- A former client

This was my first visit to the Calgary Food Bank. I was never treated better in my time of need. Thank you ALL.

- A former client

I was laid off recently and the bills have been overwhelming. I am so grateful for all your volunteers, staff and the great kindness and enormous generosity of Calgarians. When I was in line, I was touched almost to tears and opening the bags when I got home was like Christmas! Thank you from me and my son.

- A former client

When I picked up my generous hamper last Tuesday, I was almost out of money with no job prospects. A message on my answering machine at home let me know I had a temp job starting the following Monday. It's been a good week, thanks in part to plenty of food in the fridge and cupboard. Than you all for being a wonderful encouragement to me and making a big difference in my life.

- A former client

Dear Calgary Food Bank, Thank you soooo much for the Food Hampers for the past four years. As a student and single mother, the food bank has helped my family greatly with providing healthy meals. My hope is that one day I will be able to give back the way the food bank has given to me and my family. Thank you.

- A former client