Providing Food To The City’s Most Vulnerable
Our Outreach Food Support program provides partner organizations with bulk quantities of food items that are appropriate for street outreach. These items are individually wrapped, ready-to-eat and shelf-stable requiring no or very minimal preparation.
Agencies can access items that fit their unique method of outreach, such as street outreach, mobile units, drop-in centers, transit-based engagement, or encampment outreach.
Offering food allows outreach teams to build trust and meaningful connections with people who may be disconnected from traditional services, such as those experiencing homelessness. By meeting immediate hunger needs, outreach teams are better positioned to connect individuals with essential supports, including housing, healthcare, justice services, and system navigation for family, financial, and community resources, ultimately supporting access to comprehensive wraparound services.
- Calgary Alpha House Society
- Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
- Salvation Army
- SORCe by The Distress Centre
- Recovery Alberta
- The Alex
- City of Calgary
Community Partner (Agency) Conditions
- Must be a registered charity
- Cannot charge fees for services
- Must engage directly with individuals experiencing homelessness
- Must engage in contact that is related, but not limited to, housing, shelter, health, justice & system navigation, family, financial, and community services
- Must be able to track client distribution and measure impact
- Submit an annual report to support evaluation and provide feedback on the Outreach Food Support program
“The [Outreach food support] program has been a significant support to our street outreach this year. Having access to hampers has allowed our team to meet people where they are and offer an immediate, tangible resource that addresses one of their most urgent needs: food. This has had a direct impact on clients by reducing food insecurity and providing relief in moments of crisis. Beyond the food itself, the hampers have served as a bridge for relationship-building, giving us a natural way to connect with individuals who may otherwise be hesitant to engage. By offering something practical and compassionate, we have been able to foster trust, dignity, and stronger connections, which in turn has opened doors to further conversations and access to other services. The [hampers] have truly enhanced the effectiveness of our outreach and strengthened our ability to support our community.”
The Alex, Street Team
Numbers reflect our fiscal year September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025
POUNDS OF Food Distributed
partner organizations
Money Saved
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Outreach Food Support Program?
You may apply to join the program by using the form below. Please note that we are only able to partner with organizations that have status as a registered Canadian charity and that are willing and able to track the number of clients that product is distributed to. Organizations must submit a report on an annual basis and support our evaluation of the Outreach Food Support program. For more information, please contact:
Dustin Roberts
Community Food Partnerships Supervisor
E: DRoberts@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059 ext. 294
Is there a limit on the amount of food received?
Yes. All partner organizations have a predetermined maximum allotment. Product availability can lead to fluctuations in quantity levels of certain items throughout the year.
Where can I get a Outreach Food Support Hamper?
If you are experiencing homelessness and need to access an Outreach Food Support hamper, they are available through the Calgary Alpha House Society, Woods Homes, Salvation Army, Elizabeth Fry Society, Alberta Health Services, the Opioid Dependency program and the City of Calgary Community Outreach Team.
What kind of food is provided?
The food provided is individually wrapped and does not require refrigeration or stovetop preperation. Some may require hot water Examples include: canned soup & protein with pull-tabs, fruit cups, juice, water, sports drinks, pudding, meal replacement beverages, granola bars, chocolate bars, dry soup cups, oatmeal, cereal, cookies, and other assorted snacks. All items are based on availability.
Is there more than just food provided?
No. This program is only able to provide food. We do not have the ability to provide things like clothing, hand warmers, cutlery, safe supplies, or other items utilized during typical outreach services.
How does reporting work?
We require all our partner organizations accessing this program to provide annual reporting. This helps us track impact and analyze the structure and value of the program to better serve our organizations and our community.
To update your organization’s contact information for this reporting, please contact:
Dustin Roberts
Community Food Partnerships Supervisor
E: DRoberts@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059 ext. 294
Become An Outreach Food Support Program Partner
Contact Dustin Roberts by email at droberts@calgaryfoodbank.com or call 403-253-2059 ext. 294 to request an application form and receive more details.
Other Programs
breakfast club of canada
Providing food to students so they can focus on learning.
Food Link
Providing food to organizations so they can focus their resources on program delivery.
Emergency Food Hampers
Providing people with emergency food support.
Satellite locations
Alternative pick-up locations for clients receiving Emergency Food Hampers.