Although the current COVID-19 crisis continues to impact Canadian communities in a number of ways, the response from local charities and shelters on the frontlines has been nothing short of remarkable. And while it would be easy to sit back and admire their efforts from afar, it’s important to remember that the people and organizations who look after our most vulnerable citizens often need help too.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Alberta charities that need various forms of food-related assistance. Whether you’re able to make a monetary donation, provide supplies, or offer up a small window of your day to volunteer, every bit helps.
As with the majority of our COVID-19 coverage, information can change very quickly. We will continue to update this page accordingly.
Calgary Foundation
Technically a larger body advocating for a list of smaller charities, Calgary Foundation has put the call out for collective support of many initiatives in the Calgary and Rocky Mountains area. Many of the organizations, such as the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, Airdrie Food Bank, and the Leftovers Foundation are serving critical needs and will continue to see an increased demand on their services.
Find the full list of local charities in need on the Calgary Foundation website.
Community Kitchen Program of Calgary
Please consider donating to help the most vulnerable in your community during these uncertain times.
— Community Kitchen (@ckpcalgary) March 22, 2020
Click the link below to donate. https://t.co/BynydU1ySg pic.twitter.com/pNib4VRmqO
This wonderful food charity in Calgary offers a variety of programs under its umbrella that assist many different demogaphics in the city and greater area, from newcomers to youth and other marginalized parts of our population.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides daily meal service for vulnerable, homebound, and isolated individuals and families. Both the Edmonton and the Calgary locations are seeking volunteers to keep up with the ever-growing community need for supplies. Shifts are available from Monday to Friday, either from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Commitment is flexible and volunteers can sign up for as few as one shift.
More information on how to volunteer can be obtained via email for both Edmonton and Calgary locations.
Mustard Seed shelters across Alberta
With operations in most of Alberta's larger cities, The Mustard Seed is in need of a variety of items that vary from location to location, but a common thread in them all is the need for sanitizer. Please look through the city-specific lists below for items your local Mustard Seed shelter is in urgent need of.
Calgary
- Hand sanitizer
Edmonton
- Hand sanitizer
- Fresh fruit
- Oatmeal
- Sliced cheese for sandwiches
- Prepared meat or tuna for sandwiches
- Snack items for take away meals – any items will help, pre-packaged and ready to be added to lunches
- Excess food and frozen perishables from restaurants or food businesses
Red Deer
- Hand sanitizer
- Juice boxes
- Bottled water
- Fresh fruit
- Granola Bars
Medicine Hat
- Hand sanitizer
- Ketchup/mustard packages
- Coffee, sugar packets, creamers, stir sticks
- Excess food and frozen perishables from restaurants or food businesses
