WHAT---------------------------------------------------------------------
Calgary Community Fridge is a mutual aid project aimed at addressing food equity in Calgary by helping those facing financial insecurity access free, fresh and healthy food 24/7. While all types of people are affected by food insecurity, the most impacted groups are; immigrants & ref
ugees, Indigenous peoples, those living with disability, the LGBTQ+ community, people on social assistance and our homeless population. Low income and high living costs create a disparity between what people need and what they can afford. AHS studies show that 1 in every 10 households in our province is food insecure. When forced by financial limitations to choose between basic necessities such as shelter, clothing and food, many individuals make concessions around food. Skipping meals or consuming heavily processed and/or low quality (high caloric) goods are some of the ways in which people cope with food insecurity. The mental, emotional and physical effects of these compromises can be felt long term and can manifest in depression, anxiety, obesity and diabetes. With COVID-19 and an ongoing recession, we're more concerned than ever for our community's health and wellbeing. By organizing and redistributing wealth and resources, we can collectively contribute to community care. WHY----------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently, access to fresh, healthy food is reserved to those in positions of financial privilege. We believe that this needs to change! Calgary Community Fridge wants to give access to fresh, healthy food to anyone who might be in need. HOW---------------------------------------------------------------------
We rely on the generosity of households, restaurants and grocers to stock our fridges. We rely on the help of individuals to keep them clean and up-kept. We rely on the community to use what they need and leave what they don’t. SOURCES: https://albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-household-food-insecurity-in-alberta.pdf
Nardocci M, Polsky J, Moubarac JC. How ultra-processed foods affect health in Canada. Report prepared for Heart and Stroke. Montréal: TRANSNUT, Department of Nutrition, University of Montreal; June 2019.
