Nutritional Food Resources in Calgary

A theme that has been surfacing lately for individuals with limited access to food is the quality of food and nutritional value that people receive from hampers and donations. This has been of particular concern to individuals who are also providing for their families, and for those with special dietary needs. Food hampers are an important and essential service to many individuals, however, people may need to enhance the emergency staple foods they receive.

Fortunately, there are several satellite cooperatives and programs offered throughout the city that provide nutritious options. Please note that some of the foods offered may come at a low cost. The following are some programs to highlight:

The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary (CKPC)
Tel: (403) 275-0258
Web: http://www.communitykitchenprogram.com/

The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary organizes several food security programs within Calgary. The community kitchens are open to anyone who is interested in cooking nutritious meals with a group of people and share their knowledge in low cost healthy cooking. Tummy Tamers, and Souper Stars are some of the other programs offered by the CKPC.

The Good Food Box
The Good Food Box is low cost and high quality produce offered by the CKPC. You can order and pick up your Good Food Box at various agencies, including the Calgary Cares Centre throughout the year. Contact Shift or visit the CKPC website listed above for more information. Payment is required to order.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK)
Tel: (403) 264-7979
Web: http://brownbaggingit.org/

BB4CK works with the Calgary Separate School district and the Calgary Board of Education to combat increasing numbers of students going to school hungry. Also, The FEED KIDS program works with various community agencies such as EXIT Community Outreach, CUPS Community Health Centre, the ALEX Youth Health Centre and Safe House to produce lunches each week for youth without access to adequate nutritious foods.

Best Beginning Program
Tel: (403) 228-8221
Web: http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/programs/maternalnewborn/bestbeginning.htm

The Best Beginning Program is an Alberta Health Region program for pregnant teens and pregnant women on low income. The staff work with pregnant women and their families to have the healthiest baby possible.

Children’s Milk Program
Tel: (403) 253-2059

The Children’s Milk program is offered through the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank Society. They provide home delivery of fresh milk and formula to children and pregnant and nursing moms. A referral must be made through a health-based organization.

For more information on food resources in Calgary and for emergency food, please contact Shift. You can also look at the Calgary Health Region’s handout on Emergency Food Resources at: http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/programs/nutrition/pdf/emergency_food_july_2009_1.pdf