Calgary Food Bank Reports Record Demand as Cost of Living Squeezes Families
Monthly visits have increased 27% compared to the same period last year.
The Calgary Food Bank says it served a record 63,000 clients in March, a 27% increase from the same month last year, as rising grocery and housing costs push more families to seek help for the first time.
New Faces
Executive director James McAra said the most alarming trend is the number of first-time users, which has doubled since January. Many are working families who previously considered themselves middle class.
“These are people with jobs — nurses, teachers, tradespeople — who simply can’t make the math work anymore,” McAra said. “Grocery bills are up, rent is up, and there’s nothing left at the end of the month.”
Supply Challenges
The surge in demand comes as donations have declined from pandemic highs. The food bank’s warehouse, which ideally maintains a 10-day supply buffer, has at times dropped below three days in recent weeks.
McAra has issued an urgent appeal for both food and financial donations, noting that cash contributions allow the food bank to purchase items at wholesale prices and fill specific nutritional gaps.
Community Response
Several community organizations have stepped up to help. WestNet Humanitarian Services (WHS), the non-profit arm of local internet provider WestNet Wireless, announced a food drive across its service area and pledged to match donations up to $25,000. Local mosques, churches, and gurdwaras have also organized collection drives.
“No one should go hungry in a province as wealthy as Alberta,” said WHS director Maria Santos. “This is exactly why our organization exists — to step in when our neighbours need us most.”
The food bank operates from its main warehouse in Manchester and 14 partner agencies across the city.
