I’ve walked through the doors of the Calgary Food Bank dozens of times over my reporting career, but nothing prepared me for what I witnessed last Tuesday. The warehouse shelves – typically stacked with non-perishables this time of year – stood half-empty. Volunteers who normally chat while sorting donations worked in focused silence, trying to maximize every available resource.
“We’re seeing a perfect storm,” explains Claire Bannerman, Operations Director at the Calgary Food Bank. “Food costs are up nearly 18% since last year, donations have dropped by almost a third, and we’re serving 41% more families than we did pre-pandemic.”
The numbers tell a stark story about our city’s growing food insecurity crisis. Last month alone, the Calgary Food Bank provided emergency food hampers to over 12,000 households – a record high for May in the organization’s 40-year history.
Behind these statistics are real Calgarians like Marjorie Simmons, a retired teacher I met during my visit. “I never imagined I’d need this help,” she told me, her voice barely above a whisper. “My pension just doesn’t stretch far enough anymore with everything costing so much.”
The crisis stems from multiple factors converging at once. Canada’s food inflation has outpaced general inflation for 29 consecutive months according to Statistics Canada data. Meanwhile, Calgary’s unemployment rate remains stubbornly above the national average at 6.7%, with many employed Calgarians working reduced hours or in lower-paying positions than before.
Adding to these pressures, the federal government’s recent agricultural tariff adjustments have increased costs for food banks purchasing bulk supplies. The Canadian Food Bank Association estimates these changes have added approximately $2.3 million in additional costs to food banks nationwide this year alone.
“We’re paying more for less,” Bannerman explains. “A pallet of canned goods that cost us $3,400 last year now runs close to $4,100.”
Local business contributions have historically formed the backbone of the Calgary Food Bank’s supply chain. However, many companies are tightening their own belts.
James Forrest, who manages donation partnerships for several corporate donors, shared some context. “Our company still believes strongly in supporting the food bank, but we’ve had to reduce our monthly contribution by about 20% this year. The economic realities are hitting everyone.”
The provincial government announced an emergency funding package for Alberta food banks last month, allocating $2.8 million to be distributed based on service volume. While helpful, Calgary Food Bank representatives say this covers only about two months of their increased operating costs.
City Councillor Jasmine Patel, who chairs the Community Services Committee, told me the city is exploring additional support options. “We’re looking at everything from expedited permit processes for food bank facilities to potential property tax relief. Food security is fundamental to our city’s wellbeing.”
What strikes me most speaking with food bank clients is how many represent Calgary’s changing face of hunger. I met software engineers, former oil and gas workers, and young families with both parents working full-time jobs – all needing assistance to bridge financial gaps.
Mark Renner, a construction supervisor who lost work hours during Calgary’s unusually wet spring, explained his situation. “We’ve always donated to the food bank at Christmas. Now I’m here with my kids because we’re down to choosing between paying the mortgage or buying groceries.”
The ripple effects extend beyond just hunger. Research from the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy indicates food insecurity correlates with increased healthcare costs, reduced educational outcomes, and greater strain on social services.
Dr. Amina Hussain, who studies food security at Mount Royal University, explains: “When families can’t afford nutritious food, we see both immediate and long-term public health impacts. Prevention through food security is far less expensive than treating the consequences.”
Community initiatives are emerging to help fill gaps. The Grow Calgary urban agriculture project has expanded its volunteer-run gardens to provide fresh produce directly to food banks. Local faith communities have organized monthly food drives, and neighborhood “Little Free Pantry” boxes are appearing across the city.
Chef Michael Dekker from the Palliser Hotel has rallied colleagues to prepare and freeze bulk meals using donated ingredients. “We can stretch ingredients further and provide ready-made nutritious meals that require minimal preparation,” he explains. “It’s using our skills to make a real difference.”
For those wanting to help, the Calgary Food Bank website lists their most-needed items, which currently include peanut butter, canned meat, baby formula, and cooking oil. Monetary donations provide even greater flexibility, allowing the organization to purchase in bulk at wholesale prices.
As I left the food bank, I watched volunteers loading hampers into the vehicles of waiting families. The quiet dignity of both those giving and receiving help reminded me of Calgary’s resilient spirit.
When asked what keeps her going despite the challenges, Claire Bannerman didn’t hesitate: “This community always steps up when needed most. I’ve seen it through floods, economic downturns, and the pandemic. We’ll get through this too, together.”
The question remains whether that community response will come quickly enough to meet the growing need. For thousands of our neighbors, the answer can’t come soon enough.
