Keeping the Calgary Food Bank Community Healthy During COVID-19

November 2, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic fallout continues, ensuring no one goes hungry has never been more important. Everyone has different stresses and worries during this time; putting food on the table shouldn’t be one of them. We have heard from many clients that the food support they have received from us has made an incredible impact on their families, budgets, and mental health.

We saw hamper demand level off during the summer when the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit provided a stable footing for many households. Now as the winter months approach and benefits change, we continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and adjust procedures to better serve our clients while keeping health and safety top of mind. Some processes from the early days of the pandemic have been refined, including increasing hamper sizes, relaxing eligibility for subsequent hampers, opening more volunteer shifts, and requiring masks and physical distance inside the Food Bank.

Through all of the changes, Calgary has been amazingly generous with their support and commitment to the community, especially through food.

EMERGENCY FOOD HAMPERS

Need food? We’re here for you! If you or someone you know needs food, call us at 403-253-2055 to book an appointment for hamper pick-up. You can also review our Need Food page for more information on how to get an Emergency Food Hamper. We are continuing with our adjusted hamper eligibility through the end of 2020; clients now only need to wait 10 days between hamper requests.

Validating IDs virtually makes it possible for a third party like a family member, friend, or volunteer service to pick up your hamper if you can’t. Find out more about the new process.

VOLUNTEERING

We are currently accepting volunteers for a variety of roles. Some restrictions are in place due to COVID-19. Visit our Volunteer page for the most current information and to sign up.

DONATIONS

Demand for emergency food hampers typically grows in the fall and winter months and this year will be no exception. Learn more about the many ways you can support us!

In-person donations
We are accepting food donations at our warehouse location (5000 11 Street SE). Visit us Monday through Thursday 8 am – 7:30 pm and Friday 8 am – 3 pm. Please use Door 3 (follow signs for Donations in the parking lot), ring the doorbell and wait at the bottom of the stairs.

Cash and cheque donations can be made at our Administration office (east end of the building) Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4 pm. Physical distancing measures are in effect and masks are required inside the building.

To everyone who has supported us by donating, volunteering, or sharing our message – thank you! We wouldn’t be able to serve our clients without the generous support of the community. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up with all our updates!