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Food for Thought

A conversation with Carya: building trust and breaking down barriers

A conversation with Carya: building trust and breaking down barriers

I Can for Kids (iCAN) has partnered with Carya for ten years to reach food-insecure families across Calgary. Carya is a social impact agency who has responded to the evolving social needs of the city since 1910. They offer comprehensive, low and no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections. 

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From minimum wage to a master’s degree: overcoming the challenges of financial instability

From minimum wage to a master’s degree: overcoming the challenges of financial instability

This month we’re sharing a personal story from an amazing woman and colleague who has experienced and overcome food insecurity. Andrea’s story is a powerful testament to some of the common challenges faced by many food-insecure families across Alberta. Her experience highlights the modern realities of financial instability caused by relationship breakdown amidst a rising cost of living. Her journey also serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that income-based community support plays in helping parents overcome adversity to build a better future for their children. 

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From deep roots grow new branches

From deep roots grow new branches

The first quarter of 2025 has already surpassed all expectations for everyone at I Can for Kids (iCAN). First, we were excited to report how our donors and supporters enabled us to reach a record number of kids in 2024 – nearly 42,000! Second, we welcomed three additional agencies  we welcomed three additional agencies to our partnership network to help us reach more kids in more communities.

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Amplifying our impact: new partnerships expand our reach

Amplifying our impact: new partnerships expand our reach

At I Can for Kids (iCAN), we know that effective responses to food insecurity require collaboration, advocacy, and a solid understanding of the complex challenges families face. That’s why we partner with numerous frontline agencies with deep and respected connections in their communities. The staff working in these organizations apply their experience and expertise every day to target our grocery gift card program by continually assessing which families require immediate assistance.

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Our journey of growth: reflections and the road ahead

Our journey of growth: reflections and the road ahead

Thanks to you, as I Can for Kids (iCAN) marks 10 years of empowering food-insecure children and families, we are filled with gratitude, pride, and renewed energy for the work ahead. What began as a conventional response to gaps in services for vulnerable children during the summer months has transformed into an innovative and evidence-based program that provides families dignified and immediate relief through grocery gift cards.

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Empowered by community support: a mother’s story of strength

Empowered by community support: a mother’s story of strength

On a sunny fall morning, Lily*, a single parent of three, shared her story, one that embodied both love for her children and an unimaginable hardship. In 2022, Lily was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and was given only a few years to live. Despite the devastating diagnosis, her courage shines through. Her story is one of pain, struggle, and resilience.

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Empowering families: how our program works

Empowering families: how our program works

When I Can for Kids (iCAN) initiated our grocery gift card program in 2020, we soon recognized how the income-based nature of our approach led to a greater sense of resilience, trust, and community belonging among families struggling with food insecurity. We also realized that continuing our cross-sector collaboration was key to maximizing our impact. This approach allowed our grassroots charity to reach vulnerable children through a cohesive and centralized response to food insecurity across Calgary and the surrounding area.

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