ABOUT US
Theory Of Change
A Plan in Motion
After releasing our five-year strategic plan, #FeedYYC, we began developing a theory of change. This document outlines how we’ll achieve the Calgary Food Bank’s new mission, to make food accessible to everyone in our city.
A theory of change is a framework that describes how and why a desired change is expected to happen and under what conditions change is likely to occur.
While developing the theory of change, our staff and researchers identified the outcomes experienced after accessing Calgary Food Bank food support, these outcomes split into two streams:
- Direct support to our clients
- Support through our many community partnerships.
These two pathways show the diverse ways that food insecure Calgarians can receive food support. Together, they strengthen the Calgary Food Bank’s ability to address the common food access barriers that have been identified by research and consultation. These barriers include physical challenges getting to the food bank, stigma associated with food support, the quality and diversity of food provided, pickup restrictions including time and location, and access to information.
The visual representation of the theory of change (shown below) shows the transformation of tomato seeds into tomato plants—and the conditions necessary to support healthy growth. Each step along the tomato’s way to its final stage matches with an outcome expected to occur through using the Calgary Food Bank.
The theory of change also informs new initiatives.
To become more physically accessible, the Calgary Food Bank is opening a new “branch” location in the heart of downtown. This new location will be easy to get to on public transit.
The Calgary Food Bank also adopted a choice model of food distribution in the fall of last year. When clients can choose their own items, they have a more empowering experience, and the stigma associated with accessing food support is reduced.
You Might Also Like Reading...
Client Choice Distribution Model 1 Year Anniversary
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.
Links between housing and food insecurity
During the cold snap of February 2024, I met with a gentleman – I’ll call Mike – in a community centre in the South of Calgary where he was hanging out during the day trying to stay warm.
Calgary Transit Community Outreach Team
Partnering with Calgary Transit’s Community Outreach Team helps ensure our food connects people with long-term support for underlying issues.