This past year has been a historic one with the continued global pandemic and the ongoing struggle faced by every citizen of the world. Here at home, the Calgary Food Bank did not experience any setbacks but instead rose to the challenge. There were many requirements and new processes to implement in order for us to be able to quickly pivot to fulfill the requests for emergency food in a safe environment. We are able to do this because of the community’s support. The overwhelming generosity in the form of food and funds ensures that no one goes hungry during these challenging times. Our volunteers’ selfless time and energy mean we can provide that emergency food support in times of crisis.

At the same time, when we are relieving hunger for hundreds today, we are moving towards the future. We continue to use our data to inform and navigate our decisions. We take in feedback, learnings, and new information. We engage our stakeholders and collaborate with like-minded organizations to combat poverty, advocate for policy change, and address root causes. It takes time to make meaningful and systemic impacts as we continue to supply real-time data and testimony on the effects of food insecurity to those change-makers.

You can’t get anywhere if you don’t have a plan so we continue to refine the strategic roadmap to provide direction to our teams and community alike. As we look to the future and embark on our 40th year of food bank operations, we will continue to vision a hunger-free community while listening to and collaborating with leaders in hope that we do not have to see another 40th anniversary.

Our community and our organization have been through many crises together. We come together to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind. We come together to ensure crises do not leave a wake of lasting damage. The combination of an economic downturn followed by a global pandemic has challenged our resolve and capacity like no other situation we have ever experienced. However, the great thing is that we are in this together, which gives us the strength to persevere. Yes, the consequences continue to challenge us in different and new ways every day, but together we are making sure we continue to provide a positive and lasting impact.

Despite the current confluence of events, we still took time to plan our future. We are taking action in partnerships with key organizations, strengthening and using our voice with greater conviction and advocating for change supported by real-world experience and data, always focused on root causes and food security. Change does not happen overnight, but the combination of an economic crisis and a global pandemic has brought greater awareness to the need for domestic food security and recognition for those who work tirelessly to ensure it for others.

Food banks are no longer absent from disaster management and planning, and we are at the table to ensure basic needs are not forgotten. The future is uncertain and often scary, but there is so much opportunity and that is invigorating. Regardless of the challenges that come with uncertainty, we will embrace the opportunity to address those core issues that have held us back. Thanks to an amazing community, we can help others without delay. Our commitment is to continue to build on what works and let go of the antiquated. We will also remember to value ideas and actions that got us to where we are today, always remembering that our goal is to live in a community that does not need a food bank.

Thanks to Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians, our journey through the pandemic is a journey together. We are able to meet the ever-changing needs for food security. We are not in this alone — we are in this together.