Providing Food To The City’s Most Vulnerable
This program was created in 1999 as a response to partner organizations’ concerns regarding the ability for those experiencing homelessness to access food. These hampers provide short-term relief of hunger with easy to open, ready to eat, shelf stable food for one to two days. A bulk food option is also available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
The hampers and the food they provide are invaluable. Food is a catalyst to supporting anyone in need, and this hamper program gives the qualified partners who serve the homeless population a starting point for conversation with those in crisis.
The estimated market value for a hamper is $30. While this provides financial relief for the recipient and the community partner, the value of the hamper goes far beyond the dollar amount. When partner organizations aren’t focusing on food, they can focus on their core programming and use their resources to connect and work more closely with their clients, increasing their chances of being transitioned into stable housing.
Calgary Food Bank programming has improved through rigorous review and adaptation, allowing them to deliver more value to the people they serve. Want to know more? Visit the Charity Intelligence page to review program goals and learnings.
“Alpha House’s Outreach Teams serve thousands of individuals on the streets of Calgary every year and we are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Calgary Food Bank who support many of our programs. The Mobile Hamper Program and, in particular, the Ice River water donation was a critical avenue of support for unhoused individuals during the heat waves we experienced this summer. Thank you to the whole team at the food bank!”
Charlene Wilson, Alpha House Outreach Manager
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
Mobile Hampers
partner organizations
Money Saved
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Mobile Hampers Program?
For more information or to apply for the program, please contact
Cody Schimpf Program Coordinator
E: cschimpf@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059 ext. 237
Is there a limit on the hampers?
Yes. All partner organizations have a pre-determined allotment of content that they can access.
Where can I get a Mobile Hamper?
Bulk content and pre-built hampers are distributed from Door 3 at our main warehouse (5000 11 Street SE). Door 3 is located at the loading dock and has a sign above the door that says, “Donations Welcome”. A Calgary Food Bank staff member or volunteer will greet and assist you in receiving Hampers for the Homeless content.
What's in this type of Hamper?
The hamper provides one to two days’ worth of ready to eat, shelf stable, and easy to open items. Items such as: canned meat, canned or dry soup, fruit or pudding, juice/drinks, oatmeal, and snacks. A bulk food option is also available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
Are there just pre-built hampers for the program?
Pre-built hampers provide an easy way to distribute food however there is also a bulk food option available to partner organizations who prefer to customize content for their client base.
How does reporting work for the program?
We require partner organizations accessing this program to provide regular quarterly feedback. When we track the impact, structure and value of the program, we can work to best suit your organization’s and the community’s needs. Reporting is a mandatory part of accessing the program and failing to submit surveys on time may result in losing access to the program.
To update your organization’s contact information for this reporting, please contact:
Crystal Milne, Program Coordinator
E: cmilne@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-319-0846
Community Partner (Agency) Conditions
It is critical that partner organizations are able and willing to track the number of mobile hampers distributed to clients through their programs. Reports are submitted on a quarterly basis and support evaluation of the Mobile Hampers program. Reporting also gives organizations an opportunity to share feedback with the Calgary Food Bank.
Become A Referral Partner
Contact Cody Schimpf by email or call 403-253-2059 ext. 237 to request an application form and receive more details.