Donations, Volunteering & More ...
Ways That You Can Help
The Medicine Hat and District Food Bank is a realistic and inspirational example of what can be accomplished when a need is recognized in the community and addressed one person at a time.
Donation of Time or Talents
Medicine Hat Food Bank is powered by Volunteers LIKE YOU!
We offer volunteers opportunities that make a significant difference to the lives of low-income people in the Medicine Hat and Cypress County area. Donations of time or talents (volunteers to pack hampers, stock shelves, sort products, help at special events) are always welcome. If you are interested in being a part of a dynamic volunteer team please call 528-4313 to discuss the process.
Organize or Host and Event
Many people find it easy to contribute to the Food Bank by collecting donations at their local school, office, church or by taking donations as part of an event. Children have even requested that their guests bring a donation to the Food Bank with them to their party! Other ideas are hosting a BBQ, bottle drive, Night at the Movies or even 50/50 draws. If you would like to discuss your ideas or if you would like to host an event please call.
Plant a Row – Grow a Row
The Plant Row-Grow a Row program invites local gardeners to grow an extra row of fruits or vegetables to donate to the Food Bank. It also encourages local gardeners to share their excess crops with us. If you are interested in growing a row and would like to know what would be most suitable for the Food Bank please call us.
For more information about the grow a row campaign visit www.growarow.org
Monetary Donations
The Medicine Hat and District Food Bank does not receive any government funding and therefore relies solely upon the generous donations from the community. While donations of food and time are greatly appreciated, money is needed for essential items to ensure that our services remain available. Monetary donations through company payroll or monthly post dated cheques are also accepted. Monetary donations are used for things like building repairs and maintenance, utilities, vehicle maintenance, fuel, office supplies, office equipment, etc. In order to be a successful and effective organization, and to be able to provide continuity of service to our clients, we also require some paid employees. Each year funds are required to purchase food items to ensure hampers stay nutritionally balanced. Tax deductible receipts are available for donations of ten dollars or more. Every little bit helps!
100% of your donation STAYS in YOUR Community!
Donating Food
Of course, food is always welcome! We suggest that you only bring food here that you would feel comfortable serving in your own home. In other words, make sure that the food you would like to donate is in good condition and is not outdated.
You can donate food in the following ways:
- Take your non-perishable food donation to one of our Food Bank drop boxes located at Canada Safeway Stores, Co-op and Superstore in Medicine Hat. Our volunteer driver picks up regularly from these places.
OR
- Bring your donation to us at the Food Bank during our regular business hours. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm
- If you would like to know if there are specific items that we are in need of at the time, please call us and we will be happy to let you know.
Perishable Donations:
The Medicine Hat Food Bank has a 10,000 cubic foot freezer unit that assists us with the distribution of perishable items to our clients. This enables us to accept:
- Any frozen food, including meat, still in its original store packaging
- Livestock packaged and labeled at a recognized government inspected facility only
Non Perishable Donations:
- Any canned or boxed food
We have a commitment to our clients that we will distribute healthy, quality food, therefore we cannot accept outdated product.
Other ways YOU Can Help - Assist With Our Wish List
Many times, the Food Bank is in need of specific items or services that you may be able to donate. Official receipts for Income Tax purposes can be given with grocery till receipts. Food we need the most all year long:
Pasta Sauce
Cereals
Oatmeal
Pancake Mix
Sugar
Rice
Peanut Butter
Cheese Whiz
Syrup
Jams and Jellies
Jello and Puddings
One Meal Dishes
Margarine
Children’s Lunch Products: Juice Boxes, Fruit Cups, One Dish Meals/Soups
Don’t forget for birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, etc. you can ask that your guests make a donation to the Food Bank in lieu of gifts or flowers.
*THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO IN THE PRESENT*
Thank you to the many individuals, businesses, group, schools and organizations that have made such generous donations to the Food Bank. We value your support and credit you with our success.