Providing Food To The City’s Most Vulnerable
This program was created in 1999 as a response to partner organizations’ concerns regarding the ability for those experiencing homelessness to access food. These hampers provide short-term relief of hunger with easy to open, ready to eat, shelf stable food for one to two days. A bulk food option is also available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
The estimated market value for a hamper is $35. While this provides financial relief for the recipient and the community partner, the value of the hamper goes far beyond the dollar amount. When partner organizations aren’t focusing on food, they can focus on their core programming and use their resources to connect and work more closely with their clients, increasing their chances of being transitioned into stable housing.
- Calgary Alpha House Society
- Woods Homes
- Salvation Army
- Elizabeth Fry Society
- Alberta Health Services
- Opioid Dependency Program
- City of Calgary, Community Outreach Team
Community partner (agency) Conditions
- It is critical that partner organizations are able and willing to track the number of mobile hampers distributed to clients through their programs.
- Reports are submitted on an annual basis and support evaluation of the Mobile Hampers program. Reporting also gives organizations an opportunity to share feedback with the Calgary Food Bank.
“Alpha House’s Outreach Teams serve thousands of individuals on the streets of Calgary every year and we are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Calgary Food Bank who support many of our programs. The Mobile Hamper Program and, in particular, the Ice River water donation was a critical avenue of support for unhoused individuals during the heat waves we experienced this summer. Thank you to the whole team at the Calgary Food Bank!”
Charlene Wilson, Alpha House Outreach Manager
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2023 to June 20, 2024
Food Distributed
partner organizations
Money Saved
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Mobile Hampers Program?
For more information or to apply for the program, please contact
Cody Schimpf Program Coordinator
E: cschimpf@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059 ext. 237
Is there a limit on the hampers?
Yes. All partner organizations have a pre-determined maximum allotment, though product availability can lead to fluctuation in product levels throughout the year.
Where can I get a Mobile Hamper?
Only approved community partners who have scheduled pickup times coordinated by Cody Schimpf can pick up Mobile Hampers. At your scheduled time, come to the loading dock at Door 7 at our main warehouse (5000 11 Street SE). A Calgary Food Bank staff member or volunteer will greet and assist you in receiving a Mobile Hamper.
What's in this type of Hamper?
The hamper provides one to two days’ worth of ready to eat, shelf stable, and easy to open items. Items such as: canned meat, canned or dry soup, fruit or pudding, juice/drinks, oatmeal, and snacks. A bulk food option is also available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
Are there just pre-built hampers for the program?
Pre-built hampers provide an easy way to distribute food however there is also a bulk food option available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
How does reporting work for the program?
We require partner organizations accessing this program to provide annual reporting. When we track the impact, structure and value of the program, we can work to best suit your organization’s and the community’s needs.
To update your organization’s contact information for this reporting, please contact:
Cody Schimpf, Program Coordinator
E: cschimpf@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059
Become A Mobile Hamper Partner
Contact Cody Schimpf by email or call 403-253-2059 ext. 237 to request an application form and receive more details.