Every day, thousands of Calgary families struggle to put food on the table. COVID-19 has made their situation worse and thousands more impacted by job loss are facing a harsh new reality. It’s not easy to ask for help and many people face barriers to accessing the food they need to thrive. With their health and wellbeing hanging in the balance, we need to find innovative ways to support our neighbours during this difficult time.
Through a unique pilot project, Fresh Routes and I Can for Kids are working together to improve access to healthy food for families experiencing food insecurity. Our collaboration will provide families with nutritious food, at a better value and closer to home.
Starting in the new year, I Can for Kids will work with a selection of our agency partners to host a Fresh Routes market at their locations. Sponsored by I Can for Kids, families in need will receive Fresh Routes gift cards to support their shopping experience. A variety of healthy options will be available including fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, and bread. Families will be able to choose the foods they want and need.
Our two organizations share a common vision of prioritizing dignity in our programming, reaching people where they are, and seeing the value in leveraging each other’s strengths to bring out the best in our efforts to support the people who need us most.
Fresh Routes’ mission is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. Our mobile grocery store brings healthy, fresh food into neighbourhoods facing barriers — allowing choice, maintaining dignity, and building community.
I Can for Kids has been a critical resource for thousands of hungry Calgary kids every year since 2015. We’re thoughtful in our approach, committed to quality, and focused on giving kids better access food — with a greater sense of dignity and belonging.
This pilot is generously supported by Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial and Rotary Club of Calgary West.
