Today is Grocery Hero Day! We are extremely proud and incredibly grateful of the connection with our more than 100 grocery store partners, including Sobeys, Safeway, Save On Foods, Calgary Co-op, Superstore, No Frills, Costco and Walmart. It is a great honour to work with so many dedicated employees that understand the importance of giving back.
To mark National Volunteer Week, we had some one-on-one chats with a few of the people who give back during these difficult times so fellow Calgarians can get the food support they need.
What is highlighted in times of disaster – be it fire, flood or pandemic – is that food needs to be part of the response; unfortunately, it is rarely considered. Policy around food does not engage with the established food service charities providing the stop gap. Food banks and food service organizations are experts in the implementation of food safety, public health and social wellbeing. We advocate for change and client security in the long run.
In the last two weeks, we have worked diligently, implementing our pandemic response plan. It includes complex logistics that ensure thousands of people receive Essential Food Hampers through revised processes. The impact is considerable, and we continue to be focused on providing food and services while ensuring safety. We acted immediately but our systems are built to last.