On Monday, the Calgary Food Bank made a significant advancement by launching its first downtown location in 43 years. Situated in the Neoma building at 655 6th St. S.W., this new site resembles a grocery store, allowing clients to select items from shelves and coolers.
Downtown Calgary’s New Grocery-Style Food Bank
The Calgary Food Bank aims to create a shopping experience parallel to that of a traditional grocery store. Melissa From, the president of the Calgary Food Bank, expressed hopes that clients will feel at home while shopping for essentials at the new facility. “We really want our clients to have that same experience,” she said. “I think this adds normalcy to the food insecurity experience for people.”
Accessibility and Design
The new location is strategically located near the C-Train line, making it accessible for residents living in downtown Calgary and the Beltline neighborhood. This is a significant improvement compared to the original facility in the Burnsland Industrial Park.
Appointment System and Food Selection
Clients must pre-book appointments to use the new grocery-style system. They will make food choices based on a points system, which fluctuates depending on the inventory available. “We receive about $45 million a year worth of reclaimed food, so we have different surges in our inventory,” observed From.
- One vine of tomatoes may be worth three points.
- During peak donation periods, three vines might also equate to three points.
This dynamic approach to inventory allows the food bank flexibility in food offerings, ensuring a diverse selection for clients.
Current Demand and Clientele
Currently, the Calgary Food Bank provides assistance to about 1,000 households daily, averaging three members per household. Despite this expansion, From described the opening as “bittersweet,” acknowledging the ongoing challenges many Calgarians face in accessing nutritious food.
Inflation Impact on Grocery Prices
Compounding the food security issue, recent data from Statistics Canada revealed a 4.7% increase in grocery prices compared to November of the previous year. This marks the highest inflation rate in over two years, placing further strain on families struggling to make ends meet.
With the opening of this new grocery-style food bank, Calgary is taking a step towards enhancing food accessibility and alleviating some of the burdens faced by its residents.
