FOod Link
Making Food Accessible to Everyone in our City
Food Link is a program offered by the Calgary Food Bank that distributes food to other charitable organizations in the city. The money saved through accessing food through this program can then be spent on program delivery to better serve the organization’s clients and address the root causes contributing to food insecurity.
Because the Calgary Food Bank has the facilities and capacity to accept bulk food donations, it is a natural fit to also act as a food distribution hub for its partner organizations.
Accessing Food Link
Food Link orders are picked up at our main location (5000 11 Street SE) from the Donation Centre, which is at Door 7, located on the west side of our building. Access is by appointment only, Monday to Friday. Pease confirm pick-up location and time before you arrive.
Can your organization access our Food Link Program?
- Must be a registered charity
- Must serve a food insecure population.
- Are not already be providing services like food hamper
- Are not operating as a food bank. Refer to our Food Share Program for information about access for food banks.
- Can not charge fees for services
- Programming must directly or indirectly address root causes of food insecurity
- Programming must work to create client self-sufficiency
- Accessing Food Link must increase the organization’s ability to provide effective programing
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1st, 2023 to August 30th, 2024
pounds of food
Food Link Partners
Value of food distributed ($)
How Food Link Supports Community Partners
Alpha House
“Alpha House serves a very vulnerable population who, on top of being without stable housing, consistently struggle with food security. Our partnership with the Calgary Food Bank is absolutely critical to our ability to provide such a basic need to thousands of unhoused Calgarians.”
— Shaundra Bruvall, Senior Director of Communications, Community Engagement and Fund Development
Calgary John Howard Society
“I hope it brings you comfort and satisfaction to know that I enjoyed a fantastic omelet for breakfast, along with my homemade bread and a glass of raspberry juice you brought me. I truly appreciate you!”
— CJHS Client
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in the Food Link program?
How do I join the Food Link program?
To apply for our Food Link program, please fill out an application.
If you have any questions, please contact Dustin Roberts
E: droberts@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 294
Do you only distribute food in the Food Link Program?
In addition to food, you can also access other items such as diapers, kitchen supplies and cleaning supplies. Please note non-food items cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to availability.
Current Food Link program partners:
How are order forms created?
Order forms are updated daily based on the food and supplies we have in stock. All donated food items are shared across Calgary Food Bank programs and are subject to availability. We try our best to keep staple items in stock consistently, but the order form is subject to change.
When can I come to pick up my items?
Your pickup location is at our main warehouse (5000 11 Street SE) at Door 7, located on the west side of the building.
Food Link access is by appointment only. Your order will be brought to the dock in order for you to load direct into your vehicle from the outside.
Please note Food Link does not operate on weekends.
Can I change my pick up time?
If you need to change your pickup time, please contact Dustin to see if we can accommodate you at a different time. Timeslots are subject to availability.
Dustin Roberts
E: droberts@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 294
How do I know what items are available?
Once you are approved for partner access, you will be provided with an order form that you can use to see what we have available. Submit this form prior to your scheduled pickup.
Why are there limits on some food items?
The amount of product we receive is limited and by putting a cap on the amounts that partners can request, we can ensure everyone receives the product.
How does reporting work?
All Food Link partners must provide annual feedback on the program. This ensures that we can track the impact, structure and value of the program. Reporting is mandatory and failing to submit surveys on time may result in losing access.
Questions?
Contact Dustin Roberts by email or call 403-253-2059 ext. 294