Events
City-Wide Food DriveCity wide food drive
Coming to a door step near you
The 2020 City Wide Food Drive is scheduled for September 19. At this time we are feeling confident that we will be able to proceed with the event as scheduled. We are working closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) for guidance on how we can do our part to ensure the health and safety of the volunteers and the community for the food drive.
The Fall can be a stressful time of year for many and this year is no exception. We know Calgarians, who were already struggling through tough economic times, will need increased food support as they maneuver through job losses and increased expenses as we continue to work our way through the COVID-19 crisis and different programs in place to offer financial support come to an end.
Our immediate focus is meeting urgent needs now and planning for the future as demand will continue for months to come. We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers that come together each year for the City-Wide Food Drive. For one week every September, they deliver hundreds of thousands of donation bags to the front doors of homes across the city. Generous Calgarians then fill those bags with healthy, nutritional, and much needed non-perishable food that is picked up by the volunteers.
We are truly community owned and community supported. We know that Calgarians are struggling in light of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic and thanks to you, we will continue to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Thank you for choosing to make a difference in the lives of many.
Thank You
Our Sponsors
How it works
Food drive details
- Volunteers will deliver food drive bags to neighbourhoods across Calgary the week of September 14.
- If you choose to participate, please fill the bag with non-perishable food items.
- Place your donation bag on your doorstep, or in a visible place from the street on Saturday, September 19 by 10 am.
- Volunteers will pick-up your bag between 11 am and 1 pm.
- If your bag is missed, please call 587-316-1623 between 1:30 and 4 pm on September 19, 2020. Leave your bag out, and a volunteer will pick your bag up in the evening.
keeping the community safe
COVID-19 protocols
We have been working closely with AHS to develop safety protocols and following all recommendations to ensure the health and safety of the community.
- Volunteers will have access to masks, gloves and hand sanitizer while they are delivering and picking up the food drive bags.
- Volunteers have been instructed to maintain the recommended 2 meter social distancing rule while volunteering.
- Volunteers delivering and picking up the bags will be part of the same family/cohort pod.
- Volunteers are recommended to take the AHS Self Assessment prior to volunteering.
- The Calgary Food Bank will continue to follow safety protocols with collected food, having it isolated for a minimum of 48 hours.
City-wide food drive
Did you know?
neighbourhoods
drop-off locations
volunteers
semi trailers
Did You know?
2019 Fast Facts
volunteers
bags delivered
pounds of food
funds raised ($)
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your COVID-19 safety protocols?
We have approval from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to continue with the City Wide Food Drive this year and are working closely with them to develop safety protocols and following all recommendations to ensure the health and safety of the community for the food drive.
Volunteers will have access to masks, gloves and hand sanitizer and will be delivering and picking up the bags in their family/cohort pods. Before volunteering we are recommending each person take the AHS Self assessment.
The Calgary Food Bank will continue to follow safety protocols with collected food, having it isolated for a minimum of 48 hours.
Food safety and COVID-19 – Government of Canada
Scientists and food safety authorities around the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. There is no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. At this time, there have been no reported cases of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.
How do I participate?
Bags will be delivered to single family homes across the City of Calgary from September 14 to 18, 2020. Look for your bag and fill it with non-perishable food items. Place the bag in a visible location on your front step or front walk on September 19, 2019 by 10 am. A volunteer will pick up your bag on Saturday, September 19 between 11 am and 1 pm.
Can I donate funds instead of food?
Yes! Should you wish to make an online donation towards the City-Wide Food Drive, you can click “Donate” in the menu which will take you to our online donation form. If you wish to mail a cheque, they can be made out to Calgary Food Bank and mailed to 5000 11 St SE, Calgary AB, T2H 2Y5.
What time will my bag be picked up?
Place the bag in a visible location on your front step or front walk on September 19, 2020 by 10 am. A volunteer will pick up your bag on Saturday, September 19 between 11 am and 1 pm.
My bag wasn’t picked up. What should I do?
Due to the large scale of the Food Drive, donations are occasionally missed – but that doesn’t mean that we don’t need or want your donation! If your bag is missed, please call 587-316-1623 between 1:30 pm and 4 pm on September 19, 2020. Leave your bag out, and a volunteer will pick your bag up in the evening.
I didn’t receive a Food Drive bag. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! If you live in an apartment, condominium or multifamily home and don’t receive a Food Drive bag you can still participate in the City-Wide Food Drive. You can fill any shopping bag or a box and bring it to the Calgary Food Bank at 5000 11 St SE between noon and 5 pm on Saturday, September 19, 2020.
What can I put in the bag?
Please put non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat, jars of baby food, etc. Please do not donate food items that may spoil such as fresh meats or fresh produce as it may be a few days before your donation is sorted and the food will not be able to be used. Visit our wish list to see our most needed items.
The phone line was closed when I called. Now what can I do?
The call centre is open until 4 pm, but you may not have noticed that your bag wasn’t picked up until after 4 pm. Due to the large scale of the Food Drive, donations are occasionally missed – but that doesn’t mean that we don’t need or want your donation! If you are able to, please take your donation to the Calgary Food Bank donation bin at your local grocery store and it will be picked up by the Calgary Food Bank.