Calgary Food Bank announces downtown location to deal with soaring demand

The Calgary Food Bank has announced a major expansion to better deal with soaring demand and help make things easier for residents in need.

The Food Bank announced it is opening up a branch in the Neoma building along 7 Avenue SW in downtown Calgary that will aim to serve up to 200 households each day.

CEO Melissa From says the new location will make the services more accessible since it’s on the CTrain line and will also allow for a more dignified experience since it will be setup like a store.

“They’re going to be able to pick their own food and decide for themselves what’s important for their family,” says From. “(They can) meet their cultural and dietary needs without the intervention of somebody else choosing their food for them.”

The building is also home to HomeSpace Society and the Inn from the Cold shelter. Inn from the Cold CEO says the new Food Bank location will go a long way in supporting her clients.

“When families have the security of a warm meal and they know where their next meal is coming, they are better able to focus on employment, housing, and all of the things they need,” says Heather Morley.

The Food Bank is hoping to open the branch by the end of June.