Our Blog
The grocery gift card approach gains momentum and credibility
Like everybody else, those of us at I Can for Kids (iCAN) recognize the comfort and security of traditions. Familiar practices feel easy, safe, and reassuring. Yet there are major risks if our society relies blindly on the comfort of longstanding approaches to major social and health issues. When it comes to empowering households who lack the income to buy enough food, iCAN realized how more than forty years of traditional food programming had fallen significantly short. That’s why in 2020, we took advantage of the global pandemic to implement and study a rapid and innovative change to our response to food insecurity.
The grocery gift card approach gains momentum and credibility
Like everybody else, those of us at I Can for Kids (iCAN) recognize the comfort and security of traditions. Familiar practices feel easy, safe, and reassuring. Yet there are major risks if our society relies blindly on the comfort of longstanding approaches to major social and health issues. When it comes to empowering households who lack the income to buy enough food, iCAN realized how more than forty years of traditional food programming had fallen significantly short. That’s why in 2020, we took advantage of the global pandemic to implement and study a rapid and innovative change to our response to food insecurity.
Fuel healthy futures with Save-On-Foods
Our 11th annual fundraising campaign with Save-On-Foods is officially underway! All month long, when you donate in-store or online, Save-On-Foods will match the first $10,000 raised, doubling your impact.
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.
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.
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.
Calgary Herald Feature
I Can for Kids has been featured in the Calgary Herald’s Christmas Fund, highlighting the incredible work we do to address childhood food insecurity in our community. The article showcases how our innovative income-based model is making an impact by supporting thousands of food-insecure children and their families with dignity and choice. This is a proud moment for us, made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, agency partners, and volunteers.
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.