When community members come to the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary for support, they are given a hand-up, not a hand-out. This principle guides the organization’s programs, which span nearly every neighbourhood in the city, reaching nearly 450,000 Calgarians.
Second Harvest is a valued partner of Spinz-A-Round, one of Community Kitchen's core programs. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 65 charity organizations, from community centres to street missions, visit their warehouse to collect food supplies for their clients.
The food Community Kitchen receives from Second Harvest and other partners varies. From fresh produce to cooked meals and dry goods, the donations reflect the ongoing efforts to provide nutritious options to those in need.
While Spinz-A-Round serves a broad audience, other programs are tailored to support specific vulnerable populations, with education as a cornerstone of their approach. One example is the kids’ program, which teaches children about nutrition, basic etiquette and online safety. It targets schools in communities where children may be left alone more often due to working parents. During these sessions, children also have access to healthy snacks.
In another program called Calgary’s Cooking, participants learn how tips to stretch their food budget without sacrificing nutrition. This emphasis on practical skills is designed to support greater confidence and long-term self-reliance.
As Community Kitchen navigates the challenges of rising food insecurity in the city, the organization remains committed to its mission and continues to support the community in every way it can. Ultimately, the organization’s impact is measured not just in the number of meals provided, but in the dignity and hope restored to those it serves.
“We want to make people feel supported and that they have somewhere to go,” said Lynn Gofflot, Community Relations and Human Resources Manager at Community Kitchen. “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.”
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