Important Changes to our Sustainable Food Program (SFP)
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Important Changes to our Sustainable Food Program (SFP) -
Community Food Programs
The Community Food Program aims to create replicable and sustainable community programming that engages citizens and inspires leadership while providing a comprehensive range of supports, enabling residents of Hillhurst Sunnyside and beyond to achieve a sustainable livelihood through the support and assets of a resilient and connected community.
We are proud to be a Good Food Organization working towards a healthy and fair food system in alliance with Community Food Centres Canada. We are joining a growing network of like-minded organizations across Canada who share a commitment to offering healthy and dignified food programs in their communities.
Important changes To hsca’S sUSTAINABLE fOOD pROGRAM (SFP)
Effective September 9th, 2024, HSCA will be implementing some important changes to the Sustainable Food Program. The free food portion of the program will be ending, and the focus will shift to be on low-cost produce.
After extensive research, HSCA has chosen to strategically invest our resources into community connections, and low-cost food partnerships.
This decision has not been made lightly. We have spent a great deal of time looking at all options, and HSCA believes we can best serve the community through strengthening our relationship with Fresh Routes and using our resources to build connections and relationships through community programs. We recognize that this change will be significant, and we are committed to working with you as we take this step toward providing a deeper impact within our areas of strength as an organization. [You can find HSCA’s full statement letter here: Important Changes to HSCA’s Sustainable Food Program (SFP)]
Monday August 26th, 2024 will be the last day that free food will be offered as part of the program. There will be no changes to HSCA's partnership with Fresh Routes. Fresh Routes will be available every Monday (except statutory holidays) from 4pm-6pm to offer produce. HSCA will continue to provide a discount of 25% for anyone living in Hillhurst or Sunnyside who is interested in that support.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page for more information about these changes. HSCA also has a list of Calgary Food Resources available. Finally, HSCA has an extensive online resource tool (HSCA’s Community Resource Guide) that showcases the organizations that have direct mandates for offering free food, that are better resourced to serve this need, and that can provide greater impact in this area. These organizations are listed on HSCA's website: www.hsca.ca/resources-1.
We, the team at HSCA, feel confident that this change in direction will increase our impact by focusing our programs and services to align with our strengths and our mission. We are grateful that you are part of this community and hope to continue serving you.
Notice of Good Food Box Program Ending at HSCA- Effective May, 2024
HSCA would like to inform community members that HSCA will no longer be operating as a Good Food Box Depot for the Community Kitchen Program, effective May 17, 2024. The last Good Food Box order date will be May 7, 2024, and our pickup date will be May 16, 2024. Please see the resources and links below for more information on Good Food Box Depots and Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store at HSCA, and Food Resources around Calgary.
Other Good Food Box Depot Locations
The closest Good Food Box Depot is in West Hillhurst at Made by Mamma, located at 66 21 Street NW. Good Food Boxes can be ordered through Made by Mamma Depot’s Good Food Box online order form. You can also visit the Community Kitchen Program’s Good Food Box Depot directory map for a full listing of depots around the city.
Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store at HSCA: Part of HSCA’s Sustainable Food Program
We encourage residents to stop by HSCA every Monday to visit the Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery store from 4-6pm. Fresh Routes is open to everyone and offers budget friendly grocery items right here in our community. To learn more, see our Sustainable Food Program info below.
Calgary Food Resource List (May 2024)
This document list services offering food hampers, free meals, and low-cost food across Calgary. It was last updated May, 2024. Please call organizations to make sure details are correct.
Sustainable Food Programming
A joint approach to ensure dependable access to affordable, good food for our community amongst growing demand; enhanced with community engagement and food literacy learnings.
Fresh Routes mOBILE GROCERY STORE
Providing access to affordable food for all.
Fresh Routes runs Mondays, 4pm-6pm at HSCA (excluding statutory holidays)
HSCA has partnered with Fresh Routes to bring more food choice to the neighbourhood! Shop Fresh Routes affordable mobile grocery store (all are welcome). Shopping with Fresh Routes helps support the other Sustainable Food Program initiatives to bring food access to neighbours and families facing barriers in our community.
Find your closest Fresh Routes’ mobile grocery store on the Fresh Routes’ Schedule page.
Fresh Choices
We are currently making changes to our Fresh Choices program. HSCA will continue to offer residents of Hillhurst Sunnyside experiencing food insecurity with resources and assistance. Questions? Connect with one our team members at the Sustainable Food Program (SFP) for more information.
No income proof needed - we trust you to self-identify if you are in need of this service.
Thank you to generous community members and local businesses for the donations that make this program possible! Learn more about how you can donate to support this grocery subsidy program on our fundraising page.