Purchasing Power Program

The Purchasing Power Program provides cost savings to charitable organizations with budgets for food. It leverages the Calgary Food Bank’s relationships (or keep as buying power) with suppliers to purchase food on behalf of organizations at a discounted price.. The Purchasing Power Program is designed for collaboration with other partner organizations. This program is not designed for individuals or individual needs.
Please note the Calgary Food Bank is currently in the process of formalizing this program to ensure we can meet the needs of all interested community partners. Please be patient with us as we review it with all internal stakeholders before moving forward. As part of the review process, we need to make sure we can obtain the requested inventory and deliver it at a savings to our partners. Please check-back here for updates on applying to this program
CAN MY ORGANIZATION ACCESS THE Purchasing Power PROGRAM?
- Your organization must have a charitable status, be qualified donees as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or be an eligible intermediary to carry out the Calgary Food Bank’s activities as defined by the CRA and in keeping with the Calgary Food Bank’s legal counsel.
- Must have a budget for food.
- Must have food-based programming for clients.
- Must be able to work within the Calgary Food Bank’s scheduling requirements.
- Must require inventory that the Calgary Food Bank can procure, in bulk.
- Able to negotiate pick-up or incur costs for delivery of purchased items.
- Must meet health and safety requirements.
- Able to work with Calgary Food Bank on Outcome and Impact Reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a ‘stakeholder’?
A stakeholder is a party that can either impact or be impacted by an organization/program and its operations.
How can I volunteer for the Purchasing Power Program?
We currently only have one volunteer role for this program, that is our Breakfast Club Shopper Volunteers. An up-to-date job description for this role is available with our Volunteer Resources team.
Why would an organization access this program vs. another Calgary Food Bank Program?
This program is designed for organizations that have a budget for food and would like to use this budget more effectively. The Calgary Food Bank has well-established relationships with food industry partners, allowing organizations partnered with the Purchasing Power Program to benefit as well.
Are donations used for content?
Donations are used in instances where excess quantity of individual items outstrip the demand for those items under the following programs: Emergency Food Hamper, Welcome Home, Weekends and More, Hampers for the Homeless, Food Link, and Food Share Programs. Donations are also used when orders contain items designated as “by donation only” or are outside of agreed-upon purchased items.
Are there inventory requirements or restrictions?
Some partner organizations have specific requirements or restrictions for their content, limiting what the Calgary Food Bank can provide.
How do I know if I qualify to join the Purchasing Power Program?
In order to join the Purchasing Power Program, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must have a charitable status, be qualified donees as defined by the CRA, or be an eligible intermediary to carry out the Calgary Food Bank’s activities as defined by the CRA and in keeping with the Calgary Food Bank’s legal counsel.
- Must have a budget for food.
- Must have food-based programming for clients.
- Must be able to work within the Calgary Food Bank’s scheduling requirements
- Must require inventory that the Calgary Food Bank can procure, in bulk
- Able to negotiate pick-up or incur costs for delivery of purchased items.
- Must meet health and safety requirements.
- Able to work with Calgary Food Bank on Outcome and Impact Reporting.
Please note the Calgary Food Bank is currently in the process of formalizing this program to ensure we can meet the needs of all interested community partners. Please be patient with us as we review it with all internal stakeholders before moving forward. As part of the review process, we need to make sure we can obtain the requested inventory and deliver it at a savings to our partners. Please check-back here for updates on applying to this program
Become A Community Partner
Contact Leanna Andrews by email or call 403-253-2059 ext. 230 for more information.