programs
Our programs target the immediate food needs of individuals and families in Medicine Hat by supplying food and support to a large network of members. We are continuously working to continue this innovative spirit in our organizations by working with local agencies to develop new programming which affords us the opportunity to offer a multitude of services right at the Food Bank.
Food bank program
The Food Bank Program allows an opportunity for the community to access food during emergencies. Families and individuals can access our many programs that target their immediate food needs. When a new member comes to the Food Bank we provide them with food by giving them a “1-2-Go” which is enough food for a few days until an appointment is scheduled.
Brown bag lunch
The Food Bank serves 500-700 nutritional lunches to hungry children within 32 schools in Medicine Hat and surrounding area every school day. In the lunches, each child will receive: the choice of a meat and cheese sandwich or pea butter sandwich, a serving of fruit, vegetable, and a diary product, as well as a snack item.
UNITED WAY healthy bundles
This program allows expecting moms to access the Food Bank on a more regular basis for extra milk, eggs and protein. As well the moms will also receive access to weekly programming to help them enhance their life skills in a community setting. After the baby is born, moms can continue to access our services more often until the baby is 1 year, also receiving diapers and formula as needed.
food first Culinary Experience
This community kitchen program not only addresses poverty with innovation and long-term solutions, but teaches families the skills needed to prepare healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. We work directly with the families to solve food sustainability and provide the opportunity for them to learn a variety of cooking skills.
community gardens
This community initiative creates an opportunity for families to learn about: where food comes from and how to garden, all while enjoying the peacefulness and sanctity of the garden. All children that attend the Food Bank with their parents go out and pick fresh fruits and vegetables. This 24 hour a day community garden is accessible to all members of the community and is one of our four community gardens.
coffee club
This is our newest program. We are proud to be able to offer a warm getaway from the cold and a community building atmosphere. We provide a warm place for those in our community who are experiencing housing instability. We are now open for 7:30am to 11:30am every day, including holidays and weekends for this program. Our goal is to provide a warm, welcoming space with access to a listening ear, which includes information and referrals for community programming and services.
Partner Agencies
We are currently partnering with numerous community organizations to help them run their programs. Together we are working towards changing the way that we address poverty and hunger within our communities.
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Addiction & Mental Health
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Big Brothers Big Sisters
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Bridges Community Kitchen
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Burdett School
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Champion Center
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Community Housing
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Community Kitchens
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CORE Association
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Crestwood Brethren Mennonite Church
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College Go Girls
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Dream Centre
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Flats Community Kitchen
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Furry Friends
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HIV Outreach
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Hope Street Church
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LEARN
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Medicine Hat College
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Medicine Hat Care Centre
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Medicine Hat High School
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Medicine Hat Library
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Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
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Mussasa House
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Notre Dame School
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Ralston School
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Redcliff Library
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Redcliff Youth Centre
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REDI Enterprises
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Saamis Outreach
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Santa Claus Fund
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Salvation Army
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Silver Sage
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St Louis School
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Teen Mom Centre
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Women's Shelter Community Kitchen