Client Choice Distribution Model 1 Year Anniversary

Oct 8, 2025

Robert and Melissa standing with an empty shopping cart after delivering the food to a client

We are thrilled to be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of our client choice distribution model! In October of 2024, we implemented our choice model of distribution, which allows clients to choose the items they take home with them through a points system. Points are allocated based on household size and then spent in categories such as whole grains, protein and pantry staples.

Hamper contents used to be determined simply by what we have in stock, but as food insecurity grows and our city becomes more diverse, we recognized that this was no longer meeting the needs of our clients.

The need to pursue this change was obvious, but it was not easy. The logistics of running a food bank are quite unique as much of our food supply is donated, both by individuals and partner organizations like grocery stores, and inventory levels and commodities can be sporadic. To be able to offer a consistent menu of choices, we needed to start purchasing more of our food items.

We’ve always purchased things like eggs and milk, as these are staples in almost every diet but are rarely ever donated. As the choice model came to fruition, it became necessary to start buying pallets of rice, flour and cooking oil. Our bulk purchasing power helps with this, but even so we spent $1.6 million on rice last year alone.

Better service comes with a higher price tag no matter what industry you are in but based on the feedback we have received from our clients; the change has been worth it.

Here are just a few of the things they had to say:

“Without the Calgary Food Bank’s support my family and I will be skipping meals and consuming more food that is detrimental to our health. Thank you so much!”

“This was my first experience with the new food choice model. I like that your can pick what you will consume and not have food go to waste. Keep up the great work that you do.”

“I really like that I was able to select getting more things like milk and eggs and less of peanut butter and beans etc. this helps so much knowing I’m getting more of what I’m actually using and way less items that won’t be used in our house or even things that I already have in my pantry.”

“It was an amazing experience picking what we need. Thank you.”

While we are very proud of the changes made to our distribution model, this is just one way we are making food accessible to everyone in our city. Stay tuned for more!