Volunteers from Calgary Transit and Calgary Co-Op joined forces this past Saturday for the 33rd annual Stuff A Bus initiative. The event brought together the community to fill transit buses with food donations aimed at supporting the Calgary Food Bank.
Success of the Stuff A Bus Campaign
Last year’s efforts resulted in over 72,000 pounds of food and $80,000 raised for the Calgary Food Bank. Sage Pullen McIntosh, the communications and loyalty director at Calgary Co-Op, expressed pride in the community’s participation. “Seeing people buy food hampers and donate has a significant impact,” she noted.
Community Leaders Support the Cause
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas participated in the event at the Oakridge Co-Op. He was accompanied by Melissa From, the president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank, as he placed his donation on the bus. Farkas highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing critical issues such as poverty and food insecurity.
Growing Need for Food Bank Services
The Calgary Food Bank reported that between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, a staggering 135,526 unique individuals sought assistance. This group included 63 percent adults and 37 percent children. Melissa From emphasized the ongoing demand for food assistance, stating, “We are consistently feeding more people.”
Statistics on Food Bank Usage
The need for food assistance is on the rise across the province. According to Food Banks Canada’s Hunger Count 2025 report, there was a 21.8 percent increase in food bank usage from 2024 to 2025, with over 36 percent of those in need being children.
- 800 households rely on the Calgary Food Bank daily for food assistance.
- Each household receives enough food for 7-10 days.
- Volunteer support is crucial, with 300 Calgarians donating their time each day.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, early indicators suggest that demand will continue rising. With inflation presenting ongoing challenges, the need for community support remains critical. Melissa From stated, “Every dollar donated to the Calgary Food Bank saves Alberta taxpayers $9.84.”
The results of this year’s Stuff A Bus initiative will be available shortly, reflecting the community’s commitment to combating food insecurity in Calgary.
