Calgary food bank creator pleads for donations as demand soars

The grassroots organization behind eight self-serve outdoor food banks around Calgary says demand is soaring as more people need help putting food on the table.

Love With Humanity Association started with one food bank on the front lawn of its founder in the northeast community of Saddle Ridge, alongside a small library and clothing donation box.

It now runs eight food banks at locations around the city and says it needs to increase food donations to match the demand.

"Compared to the last year, there's been a 40 per cent increase, and more than 1,000 people are using this one," said Syed Najam, outside his home on Saddlelake Way N.E.

Najam says his food banks are open 24/7 and don't require registration to use them. 

They work on a "take what you need, leave what you can" basis.

Najam and his small team builds and paints the glass-fronted wooden boxes — similar to little free libraries — and installs them outside homes and community centres.

"Christmas is around the corner, and this month is very important to help out our Calgarians," said Najam.

"All the food banks face the same situation. This year is very tough compared to last year. Prices are higher, electric bills are higher, housing, everything is going up," said Najam.

He says the city is also seeing lots of new immigrants and refugees in need, as well as people coming to the city from other provinces.

He says his organization needs more non-perishable food items. They can be dropped off at his food bank location at Saddlelake Way N.E. 

Love with Humanity Association runs outdoor food banks at the following locations: 

• 631 Whitewood Rd. N.E.
• 1216 Ranchview Rd. N.W.
• 1300 41st St. S.E.
• 360 Falshire Dr. N.E.
• 7107 Elbow Dr. S.W.
• 1839 9th Ave. S.E.
• 4521 Montgomery Ave. N.W.