Making food accessible to everyone in our city
The Emergency Food Hamper program is at the core of our mission of ensuring nutritious food is accessible to everyone in our city. Hampers provide 7-10 days worth of food to families and individuals in crisis, with amounts varying based on the number of people in the household.
In addition to relieving hunger, our food hampers also help to lessen financial stress, improve mental health and have other benefits on recipients, as outlined by our. SROI Report.
Approved referral partners can request a hamper on behalf of their client, but a referral is not necessary for a client to receive a hamper. Clients can apply for an Emergency Food Hamper on their own behalf by visiting our Need Food webpage.
Nutritious Food
The Calgary Food Bank distributes up to 750 Emergency Food Hampers every day. Hampers are packed with nutritious foods and are designed to meet Alberta Health Services’ nutrition guidelines as well as align with Canada’s Food Guide.
We also recognize a range of dietary needs within our community. For this reason, we offer food to meet specific requirements, such as celiac (gluten-free), lactose intolerance, halal and vegetarian.
*Other includes consumables that don’t fit into another category such as: cooking oils, margarine, pasta sauce, and snacks like granola bars or crackers.
%
Other*
%
Fruits & Vegetables
%
PROTEIN
%
Grains
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024
emergency food hampers distributed
baby hampers distributed
volunteers per day
“I got my hamper and ever since then the positive impact was immediate, because I don’t have to worry. The biggest stress, and the thing that would keep me up at night, was hunger pains.”
Calgary Food Bank Client
Baby Hampers
Families with infants can request a Baby Hamper alongside their Emergency Food Hamper. Contents range based on the infant’s age and may include items such as baby food, formula, diapers and wipes.
Birthday Party Kits
Children deserve to feel special on their birthdays, which is why we offer Birthday Party Kits to families receiving a food hamper. These kits are available to children ages 1 to 12 who have a birthday within two weeks of receiving their hamper. The kits may include items like cake mix, toys, books, and birthday candles. Contents are tailored to the child’s age.
Satellite Locations
Hampers can be picked up at one of our satellite locations.
Eastside Victory Outreach (SE)
1840 38 St SE
Calgary Food Bank
5000 – 11 Street SE
Deer Park United Church
77 Deerpoint Road SE
First Alliance Church
12345 40 Street SE
The Mustard Seed
102 11 Ave SE
Supernatural Life Centre
Unit #16, 2221 41 Ave NE
Genesis Centre
10, 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
Centre Street Church
3900 2 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
8007 Bowness Road
Westview Baptist Church
1313 Ranchlands Way NW
Skyview Community Church
9685 Harvest Hills Blvd NW
Salvation Army - Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre
1731 29 St SW
Grace Presbyterian Church
1009 15 Ave SW
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church
703 Heritage Drive SW
Thornhill Baptist Church
128 Tache Ave NW
Silvera for Seniors
2622 39 Ave NE
Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Victory Outreach Foundation
Victory Foundation Ogden
7012 Ogden Road SE
Calgary Food Bank (SE: Highfield)
5000 – 11 Street SE
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #30
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Monday to Thursday
8 – 10:30 am, 11 am – 1:30 pm, 2 – 4:30 pm, 5 – 7:30 pm
Friday
8 – 10:30 am, 11 am – 1:30 pm, 2 – 3:30 pm
Saturday
9 –11:30 am, 12 – 2:30 pm
Victory Foundation Ogden (SE)
7012 Ogden Road SE
DIRECTIONS
Clients enter through the door on the left when in the parking lot. The sign above the door should say "Victory Manor".
TRANSPORTATION
Bus stop located right outside, and across the street. Stop ID 5776 - Bus 131, 151. Stop ID 5775 - Bus 117. Stop ID 3874 - Bus 302. Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Friday 3:30 – 5 pm
Eastside Victory Outreach (SE: Forest Lawn)
Forest Lawn
1840 38 ST SE
DIRECTIONS
The main entrance is on west side of building facing 38 ST SE
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #1, #43, #87, #135, #155, #440, Max Purple
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Wednesdays
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Fish Creek United Park (SE: Deer Ridge) Formerly Deer Park
Deer Ridge
77 Deerpoint Road SE
DIRECTIONS
The main entrance is on East side of building off the parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #29, #44
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Thursday
5 – 6:30 pm
First Alliance Church (SE: Douglasdale/McKenzie Towne)
12345 40 Street SE
Close to Douglasdale and McKenzie Towne
DIRECTIONS
Drive-thru service on the East side of the building.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #150 to 116 Ave SE OR #92, 17, 151 to 130 Ave
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Monday
4:30 – 6 pm
Saturday
9:30 – 11:30 am
The Mustard Seed Downtown
102 11 Ave SE Downtown
DIRECTIONS
Entrance is on the east side of Centre Street, clients are asked to check in at the front desk when entering. Park along 11th or 10th Street.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #24, #10 stop nearby.
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Tuesdays and Fridays
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Supernatural Life Centre (NE: Horizon)
Unit #16, 2221 41 Ave NE
DIRECTIONS
Location is in Unit 16, entrance is at the back of the building, on the south side. Parking can be found on the east side of the building.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #33, #57
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Friday 4 – 6 pm
Thornhill Baptist Church (NW)
128 Tache Ave NW
DIRECTIONS
Pick up through the main doors, accessible via the church parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Thursday, 4 — 5:30 pm
Centre Street Church (NE)
Centre Street Church - Central Campus
3900 2 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1
Northwest Entrance
DIRECTIONS
The entrance to the depot in on the northwest side of the building, closest to the corner of 2nd ST & 40th AVE NE
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #3, #4, #5, #301, #38
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Monday, Wednesday
6 – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, Thursday
10 – 11:30 am
Genesis Centre (NE: Martindale)
10, 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
DIRECTIONS
The hamper pick-up location is on the southwest corner of the building.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #23, #68, Max Orange (Max is from the Saddletowne train station)
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Monday
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday
9 – 11 am
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (NW: Bowness)
Bowness
8007 Bowness Road NW
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #1, #40 and #53
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Wednesday 11 am – 12:15 pm
Westview Baptist Church (NW: Ranchlands)
Ranchlands
1313 Ranchlands Way NW
DIRECTIONS
Entrance on the west side of the building directly the parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #97, #113, #815
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Wednesday
11 am – 12:30 pm
Silvera for Seniors – Vista Apartments (NE)
2622 39 Ave NE
DIRECTIONS
Located in an old Holiday Inn. Pick up through the main doors, located on the south side of the building, accessible from the main parking lot. The entrance to the parking lot is on 26 St NE, just north of 39 Ave.
TRANSPORTATION
HOURS
Monday, 10:30 am - 12 pm
Skyview Community Church (NW: Country Hills)
Country Hills
9685 Harvest Hills Blvd NW
DIRECTIONS
Entrance on the north side of the building directly the parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #300, #114, #142
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Tuesday
6 – 7:15 pm
Salvation Army - Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre (SW: Killarney)
Salvation Army - Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre
1731 29 St SW
DIRECTIONS
Pick-up on the right side of the Barbara Mitchell building, receiving/loading door. Clients may park in the parking lot and walk to the door for check-in.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus stop #2 on the corner of 17 Avenue and 29 Street SW. Westbrook c-train station is 8 minutes walk.
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Thursday 3 – 5 pm
Friday 1 – 3 pm
Grace Presbyterian Church (SW: Beltline)
Grace Presbyterian Church
1009 15 Ave SW
DIRECTIONS
Located a block away from 17th Ave SW.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #2, #6, #7, #13, and #698
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Tuesday
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Thursday
4 – 6 pm
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (SW: Haysboro)
Haysboro
703 Heritage Drive SW
DIRECTIONS
The main entrance is on East side of building down a ramp off the parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus #3, #20, #37, #56, #81, #99, #149, #502, Max Teal or 5 min walk West of Heritage LRT station
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Saturday
2 – 4 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church
290 Edgepark Blvd NW
DIRECTIONS
Directions: The entrance is at the back of the building, to the left of the parking lot. There is a large parking lot available to use.
TRANSPORTATION
The following bus routes are within a couple min walking distance from Westminster.
- #154, #54, #77, #76 go to Dalhousie LRT Station.
- #138 goes to Tuscany LRT station.
- #299 goes to Crowfoot LRT station. #8 and #123 goes to North Point Terminal.
- #82 goes to Brentwood LRT station.
Please contact Calgary Transit to get more information, call 403-262-1000 or visit the website.
HOURS
Fridays at 11:00 – 12:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you book an Emergency Food Hamper?
You can learn how to book an Emergency Food Hamper by visiting our Need Food page.
How many hampers can a client receive in a year?
There is no limit to the number of Emergency Food Hampers that someone can book in a year. There does have to be at least 10 full days between each hamper pickup, however the actual wait time is based on demand.
How is the content of an Emergency Food Hamper decided?
The contents of our hampers are designed based on client feedback and are reviewed by Alberta Health Services to ensure they meet nutritional guidelines. As we rely heavily on donations, the specific items may vary, but the core contents of the hamper remain consistent.
What is a satellite location?
Satellite locations are alternative pickup points across the city that make it easier for clients to access food hampers. These locations help increase accessibility for those may not be able to visit our main warehouse. For more information about our satellite program, visit our satellite locations page.
Are the hampers different at the main location versus at a satellite location?
While hampers include the same proportion of each food category (protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables), there are some differences. At the main location, clients can make some choices about the specific items they receive. At satellite locations, hampers are pre-packed.
What content is given for infants and children?
- Children aged 0-12 months can receive a full baby hamper. This includes diapers, wipes and formula.
- Children aged 5-12 months will receive a full baby hamper and baby food.
- Children over the age of 12 months are able to receive diapers.
Please note a baby hamper is only provided to a family who is also receiving an Emergency Food Hamper.
Are baby hampers available at all locations?
Yes, Baby Hampers are available at all of our locations.
What variety of food, formula, and diapers do you have to offer?
We rely largely on donations for baby products and their availability is based on demand. When requesting hampers, you can request any brand of item, but we may have to make a substitution.
Who is eligible for a Birthday Party Kit?
The Birthday Party Kit never needs to be requested; our system will automatically assign them based on eligibility.
What is included in a Birthday Party Kit?
Birthday Party Kits are built according to the eligible child’s age. They contain party supplies such as birthday candles, balloons, cake mix, and cake frosting. They also contain an age-appropriate toy and a book. Birthday Party Kits are 100% donated items so may not include a particular item at the time of pick up.
Community Partner (Agency) Referral Process
Community partners and agencies can refer clients for an Emergency Food Hamper at our main location using our online booking link: Online Referral Form
To schedule pickup at a satellite location or to determine client eligibility for home delivery, call our our agency line: 403-640-8810. This line can also be used if you need support or have a question regarding a hamper appointment.
Community Partner Questions
What is a referral partner
A referral partner is a community organization in Calgary and the surrounding area that works with people experiencing food insecurity. For a range of reasons, someone may prefer an organization to request and schedule a hamper on their behalf. Community organizations can do this via an online hamper request portal.
How do I become an approved referral partner?
Please call our agency line at 403-640-8810 to discuss your organization’s needs. You will be provided with an application form to fill out. If approved, we will create a profile for your organization in our system and invite you for a welcome presentation and tour.
How do I send online referrals?
Your organization needs to request an application form and be approved as a referral partner before you being able to send in online referrals. You will receive an email with instructions for how to register your agency.
To become an approved referral partner please call our agency line at 403-640-8810.
How can my client access an Emergency Food Hamper?
- Clients can access our main warehouse or any of our satellite locations to pick up their hamper directly.
- Third Party ID Validation option allows for others to pick-up and drop-off a client’s hamper.
- Care Connect is a partner organization that uses volunteers to deliver hampers for clients.
- Organization workers can pick up and deliver hampers on behalf of their clients.
Are there instructions for a new hamper request?
Yes, if you click on the “Help” icon on the top right-hand side of the screen by your name, step by step instructions will appear.
Where can I send my client to pick up an Emergency Food Hamper?
When requesting an Emergency Food Hamper for your client, you can choose from a number of locations throughout Calgary that will work best for them. Find a satellite locations for your client.
Why can't I log in?
Online referral system passwords expire monthly to limit access to workers that may no longer be with an organization. When your password expires you can reset it by clicking “Recovery password” and then entering your email address. This will generate a link to your email which you can click on to set a new password.
Will the food bank follow up with the client after the hamper is approved?
It is the responsibility of the agency worker submitting the referral to let the client know that their hamper has been approved and when they can pick it up. Agency workers MUST wait for approval confirmation before advising the client to come the food bank.
What kind of ID does my client need?
For hamper pick-up, one piece of ID is required for adults and one piece is required for children. Accepted identification includes:
Driver’s License
Health Care Card
Passport
Birth Certificate
PR Card
Immigration paperwork
What if my client doesn't have ID?
If your client does not have the appropriate identification, we will try to be as lenient as possible. When submitting the referral, you may include a comment informing us of your client’s ID issues as well as what is available to them.
How do I indicate special requests?
People cannot choose their produce. They can only choose their meat when picking it up at the main warehouse. Clients can set aside any items that they cannot consume. We have specialty hampers available, including baby, celiac and renal hampers, to cater to the diverse dietary needs of our clients.
How can I view the status of my hamper requests?
The status of your hamper request is located under the tab “Hampers” at the top of the screen. To search for a specific hamper, enter in the seven-digit hamper number or the client’s first or last name. Once you have found the hamper you wish to view, the status of the hamper will show up next to the depot code.
How can I edit the information on the request once it has been sent?
Once the hamper request is submitted and approved, you can double click on the hamper request under the “Hampers” tab at the top of the page to edit the client’s address, phone number, pick up time, date and location. However, any other changes to the request form will require you to re-submit a separate referral. You can also contact us at 403-640-8810, if you have any questions or concerns.
How can I add a baby order to the referral?
The baby order will become available once the birthdate of the child has been entered under clients in the new hamper request. For children 1 and under, you can then select the size of the diapers needed and the type of formula or food; for children 1-3 years old you can select the diaper size needed.
How do I view past referrals?
All the information on past and present hamper referrals made by you are located under the “Hampers” tab.
Where do I go to pick-up a hamper for a client?
You can choose to pick up your client’s hamper at our main warehouse (5000 11 Street SE), or at any of our satellite locations.
I'm trying to access the online system but the link won't work.
If you are trying to access the online referral system using the link that was sent in an email and it won’t work, it is because the emails are system generated and are a one-time use only. Please access the system at https://referral.calgaryfoodbank.com.
Why is it asking to complete a baby order when there are no household members that are under 3 years old?
Sometime when you enter the full year of birth, the system auto populates “20” in front of the year you typed in. Only type in the last two digits of the year of birth to avoid this from happening.
It looks like my client has hampers available but they are being refused.
There are several reasons why a hamper may have been refused. The most common is because a hamper has already been requested and scheduled. To see why a hamper was refused, go to the ‘Hampers’ tab and search for the person by name. The refused hamper will have a comment explaining why it was refused.
How can I arrange a delivery to my client's home
Become A Refferal Partner
Call our agency line at 403-640-8810 to request an application form and receive more details.