Help the Calgary Food Bank stock up their birthday room by making birthday kits for children who might not otherwise enjoy the luxury of a birthday party. Bags often include: cake mix, icing, candles, balloons, a small gift like an age appropriate book, and a card.

Bags can be created for children aged 12 and under and currently, the Calgary Food Bank could use help with gift bags for older kids ages 9 to 12.

A lesser known but extremely important part of the Calgary Food Bank is our ever-growing Baby Room. The demand for formula, baby food and other essential baby items has increased exponentially since its creation 25 years ago.

Learn more about our Baby Room and its volunteers!

In 2014, the Calgary Food Bank included diapers for children under three years old in more than 10,000 hampers. We do what we can to make sure that diapers are included for those families that need them. There is a catch, though. The Calgary Food Bank cannot purchase non-food items for distribution, and diapers are not part of our legal mandate as a food bank.

Learn more about our diaper need.

We are dedicated to providing emergency food, but also nutritious food. We have partnerships with community gardens, farms and grocery stores that generously donate fresh food when able. But, because of the nearly 2 million lbs. of food we distribute per month, we are always in need of fresh nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy.

Fresh items can be donated directly to us at our warehouse location.

We know from experience our pets are treasured parts of our families and need and deserve love and nutrition, which is why we accept and encourage pet food donations.

Often, when clients see us at the Calgary Food Bank, food is not their only insecurity. Household hygiene products are often expensive and difficult for those in need to acquire.Products like shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and deodorant can be put in hampers for those who express a need for them.

They are also used in our Homeless Hampers, which provides two to three days of food and products for Calgarians with inadequate shelter.