Research & Resources

Our data shows that seniors were nearly three times more likely to reuse services from the Calgary Food Bank when compared to the general population in fiscal year 2024/25. To understand what factors are contributing to these startling levels of food insecurity among seniors, the Calgary Food Bank conducted 30 interviews and collected 736 survey responses from older adults.

Last September, our community partners completed a feedback survey. This report presents highlights from our partners, along with Calgary Food Bank program-specific insights from September 2024 to August 2025.

To kick off the 2026 United Nations (UN) International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, we did a deep dive into understanding the volunteer workforce at the Calgary Food Bank. A total of 752 volunteers responded to a survey about their motivations and experiences. 

The Calgary Food Bank’s research team interviewed 30 working clients and surveyed 1500 more, to learn about the relationship between employment and food insecurity. Alarmingly, the report found that 27% of the Calgary Food Bank’s clients are working full-time. The following key themes emerged:

• Certain job industries place workers at higher risk of in-work food insecurity

Every dollar donated to the Calgary Food Bank provides $9.84 worth of social value, according to an analysis conducted by Dr. Lucy Harry, Head of Research at the Calgary Food Bank. The analysis identifies six secondary benefits experienced by clients accessing the Calgary Food Bank’s Emergency Food Hamper program that also have societal economic benefits including:

• Improved quality of life
• Improved life circumstances

*A Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis is a way to show the wider benefits of a social program. In this case, it identifies, measures and assigns a dollar value to the secondary impacts of the Calgary Food Bank Emergency Food Hamper program.