When community members come to the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary for support, they are given a hand-up, not just a hand-out. This principle guides the organization’s programs, which span nearly every neighbourhood in Calgary through a network of over 217 non-profit partners.
Second Harvest is a valued partner of Spinz-A-Round, one of their core programs. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 60 charity organizations — from community centres to street missions — visit Community Kitchen’s warehouse to collect food supplies for redistribution to their clients.
“The idea is that the food comes in our door, and we spin it out as fast as we can into the hands of those who need it the most,” said Lynn Gofflot, community relations and human resources manager at Community Kitchen.
Last year, through Spinz-A-Round, Second Harvest redirected over 100,000 pounds of surplus food, reaching nearly 400,000 Calgarians. In July, we worked with Community Kitchen to rescue over 13,000 pounds of fruits, vegetables and protein from the Calgary Stampede.
The food Community Kitchen receives from Second Harvest and their partners vary. From fresh produce to cooked meals and dry goods, the donations reflect the ongoing efforts to provide nutritious options to those in need. Lynn noted that fresh produce is always in high demand, along with items like eggs and dairy, which form the building blocks of a healthy diet.
While Spinz-A-Round has a broad reach, the organization’s other programs focus on specific, vulnerable populations. For instance, the kids’ program teaches children about nutrition, basic etiquette and online safety, targeting schools in areas where they may be left alone more often due to working parents. They also have access to snacks while attending these sessions.
Education is a cornerstone of Community Kitchen’s approach, woven into all their programs. In a program called Calgary’s Cooking, participants learn how to shop from flyers and stretch their food budget without sacrificing nutrition. This emphasis on practical skills helps individuals and families gain control over their food security, promoting long-term self-reliance.
“We try as much as we can in all of our programs to educate and help people learn how to work within what their means are right now,” Lynn said. “Hopefully they’ll be able to start to see positive impact and change their future.”
The organization recently launched Teachables, a series of videos offering tips and tricks on managing a pantry, shopping smart and cooking nutritious meals. The response has been positive, with many clients finding the resources helpful in making better choices for their families.
As Community Kitchen navigates the challenges of rising food insecurity in the city, the organization remains committed to its mission and aims to support the community in every way possible. Ultimately, the organization’s impact is measured not just in the number of meals provided, but in the dignity and hope restored to those they serve.
“We want to make people feel supported and that they have somewhere to go,” Lynn said. “They can come in and get food. They can have what they need and be able to lead a good life and teach their children to lead a good life.”
