Food insecurity is no longer hidden in Calgary—it’s at crisis levels. Recent data shows that in 2023, nearly one in three Calgarians (31.9%) lived in a food-insecure household, meaning they couldn’t reliably afford enough nutritious food. That’s more than 500,000 people—and the highest rate of food insecurity among major cities in Canada (CBC News, Karina Zapata).
Behind these statistics are hard choices no one should have to make. As Michelle James from Vibrant Communities Calgary explained in the report, families are skipping meals so children can eat, or sacrificing food to pay rent. Seniors on fixed incomes and those living in poverty are hit especially hard.
The Calgary Food Bank has also seen demand skyrocket. CEO Melissa From shared with CBC that in just two years, daily food hampers doubled—from 400 in 2023 to as many as 800 today. Even more alarming, almost 20% of clients now work full-time, but still don’t earn enough to cover basic needs. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and increasing pressures like rent and car payments have created what From calls a “perfect storm.”
Alberta now ranks among the provinces and territories with the highest food insecurity—behind only Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. And while these numbers are deeply concerning, community leaders stress they are not just about food—they are about equity, dignity, and justice.
At Fresh Routes, we see every day how access to affordable, nutritious food can change lives. But we also recognize that no organization can solve this alone. We need systemic solutions: fair wages, stronger social supports, and policies that ensure no family has to choose between paying rent and putting dinner on the table.
Until then, we’ll continue to do our part—bringing fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant food directly to communities. And you can help too. Spread the word about food insecurity. Talk to your networks about what’s happening in Calgary. And when you shop with Fresh Routes, you’re not only accessing affordable groceries—you’re also supporting local farmers and helping us reach more communities in need.
Together, we can build a future where no one has to go hungry.
