Weekends and More
Feeding Kids Beyond The School Week

When hundreds of students in Calgary were identified as living in food insecure households, the Calgary Board of Education school-based partnership, Weekends and More, was created. Since 2014, students have received nutritious food hampers containing two to three days’ worth of food that discreetly fits into a backpack. This program works to help alleviate hunger and the stigma of food insecurity in students. By providing Weekends and More hampers to participating schools, staff and teachers can support students who are struggling with access to nutritious food on weekends. 

Food insecurity can have lasting and devastating effects, especially on younger populations. Food insecurity leads to attention problems, poor grades, chronic health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and even depression. Feeding students has a positive impact on their academics, social interactions, and health, and Weekends and More helps to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to learning.

Weekends and More hampers are a catalyst for students and staff to have a conversation about life at home to help identify the root cause of their food insecurity. Reasons can be as simple as a family not being aware a food bank or other services exist. Teachers at participating schools assess students and determine who would benefit from receiving a hamper. 

Community Partner Conditions

Schools must receive approval from their school board to participate in the program. It is critical for a school to assign at least one staff member to liaise with the program staff, submit weekly hamper orders, coordinate hamper distribution to students, oversee student enrolment, and submit timely quarterly reports to the program staff.

Food security is a growing problem, and students look forward to receiving their bags weekly. Families are appreciative as well, knowing that kids have access to food. We have excellent lines of communication with families, and they reach out when they need additional supports. But we also use the program as a gauge to see which families may need more. At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring that kids can be successful and engaged in learning. Hungry kids don’t learn, so thanks partly to the Calgary Food Bank, we can provide that support.”

Ms. Payal Tuli, Principal at Banting and Best School

What’s In A Hamper?

All hampers include two to three days’ worth of shelf stable, easy to prepare and ready to eat items with a balance of all the food groups. This includes meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Food items come from an approved list created with the help of Alberta Health Services dietitians.

Consider donating our most needed Weekends and More hamper items.

Pantry

Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023.

Schools

Hampers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Weekends and More Program?

For more information, please contact:

Leanna Heckel
E: school@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059 Ext. 230

How are students identified to be part of the program?

Teachers at each participating school assess students and determine those that would benefit from receiving a Weekends and More hamper.

Are the hampers delivered?

Weekend and More hampers are delivered by the Calgary Food Bank to each participating school. Teachers at each school are responsible for providing a hamper to the appropriate student before they go home for the weekend.

How does reporting work for the program?

We require schools accessing the Weekends and More Program to provide regular feedback. When we track the impact, structure and value of the program, we can work best to suit your school’s and the community’s needs. Reporting is a mandatory part of accessing the program and failing to submit surveys on time may result in losing access to the program.

To update your school’s contact information for this reporting, please contact:

Leanna Heckel
E: school@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, ext. 230

Become A Community Partner

Contact Leanna Heckel by email or call 403-253-2059 ext. 230 to receive more details.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Calgary Food Bank acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Calgary Food Bank
MAIN LOCATION (WAREHOUSE)

5000 11 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5

FOOD LINK

By appointment only
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Donation Centre, Door 7

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

CALL TO REQUEST A HAMPER
403-253-2055

Monday to Thursday: 8:15 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:15 am – 4:00 pm

Or book online

 

Administration
ANNEX HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

ANNEX LOCATION

5020 12A Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 5K9

CONTACT

Reception: 403-253-2059
info@calgaryfoodbank.com

TRANSLATE

© 2020 Calgary Food Bank. All rights reserved. | Charitable # 130 167 349 RR0001

Translate ››