our community programs and services
Food Link Program
The Food Link Program is a Calgary Food Bank program that provides food and supplies to qualified organizations so they can focus their resources on important program delivery dealing with root causes of food insecurity.
All organizations undergo a vigorous onboarding and vetting process before being onboarded to the Food Link Program.
Can my organization access the Food Link Program?
- Your organization must be registered as a charitable organization.
- Organizations that are not a registered charitable organization must provide evidence that they fall under exemptions as per the CRA.
- Your organization serves a food insecure population.
- Your organization is not already providing service duplication such as hampers or pantries.
- Your organization does not operate as a food bank. Please refer to our Food Share Program for information about access for food banks.
- Your organization must not charge fees for services.
- Your organization’s programming works to address the root causes of your client’s food insecurity.
- Your organization’s programming works to create client self-sufficiency.
- Accessing the Food Link Program will enhance your organization’s ability to provide effective programming.
Accessing Food Link
Food Link orders are accessed at our main location (5000 11 Street SE) from the Donation Centre which is at Door 7, located on the west side of our building. Access is by appointment only, Monday to Friday. Pease confirm pick-up location before you arrive.
Contact Information
Contact Rob Stobbe at 403-253-2059 Ext. 291 or Leanna Andrews 403-253-2059 Ext. 230 or email us: foodlink@calgaryfoodbank.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in the Food Link Program?
How do I join the Food Link Program?
To apply for the Food Link Program, please contact Rob Stobbe or Leanna Andrews to request an application form.
Rob Stobbe
E: rstobbe@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 291
Leanna Andrews
E: landrews@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 230
Or email: foodlink@calgaryfoodbank.com
Do you only distribute food in the Food Link Program?
Depending on inventory, you can also access other supplies such as diapers, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies. Please note non-food items are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Current Food Link Program Partner
How are order forms created?
Order forms are updated daily based on the food and supplies in stock and available to the Food Link program. Although the Calgary Food Bank receives a certain item, it doesn’t mean that Food Link Program will receive it. There are many different programs at the Food Bank offers so the food is shared amongst all programs. We try to keep some staple items consistent on the order forms, but this is why items are not always offered on the order form or guaranteed to be received.
When can I come to pickup from Food Link?
Please come to our main warehouse (5000 11 Street SE) at Door 7, located on the west side of the building.
Food Link access is by appointment only. Your order will be brought to the dock in order for you to load direct into your vehicle from the outside.
Please note we are not open on the weekends.
Can I change my pickup time?
If your pick up time no longer works for your organization contact Leanna to see if there is a better time to suit your needs. Please note, timeslots are subject to availability.
How do I access milk and eggs through Food Link?
Please contact the Food Link Coordinator, Rob Stobbe or Food Link Associate, Leanna Andrews to request access to milk and eggs from the Food Link Program.
Rob Stobbe, Food Link Coordinator
E: rstobbe@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 291
Leanna Andrews, Food Link Associate
E: landrews@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 230
Is there a limit on what I can take?
Once you are approved for access as a partner organization, you will be provided an order form that you can use to review what we have available for food and supplies and submit this order prior to your scheduled pick up.
Why are there limits on some food items?
Sometimes the amount of a product we receive is limited, putting a limit on the order amount is our way of being fair and ensuring everyone receives the product.
What is Leanna’s Cooler/ Freezer Surprise?
Sometimes we receive only a couple of cases of one item and there isn’t enough to offer to everyone, so we compile all of these ‘one off items’ into one “surprise” inventory item! Feel free to message the Food Link team if you’d like to know what these items are. foodlink@calgaryfoodbank.com
How does reporting work?
We require our Food Link organizations to provide regular quarterly feedback on the program. When we track the impact, structure and value of the program we can work to best suit the needs of both your organization and the community. Reporting is a mandatory part of accessing the Food Link Program and failing to submit surveys on time may result in losing access to the program. You can ensure you are added to the quarterly Food Link Program reporting mailing list with your most up to date contact information by signing-up here.
For more information on the quarterly reporting process, please contact:
Sandeep Lotay, Program Supervisor
P: 403.253.2059 x253
E: slotay@calgaryfoodbank.com
What does the Calgary Food Bank do with the information received from the quarterly surveys?
We read through all the surveys, compile the date, and try to make regular changes based on your feedback to improve the program e.g., you’ll notice more fresh produce being included on the order forms as of January 2022 because we heard from all of you that this something you’d like!
Quick Links
About Us
Together, we fight hunger and its root causes because no one should go hungry.
Food Link
Find out more about the Food Link Program and the impact in the community.
Annual Report
The annual report highlights the activities, achievements and impact in the past year.