In 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic, Megan Engblom had a wonderful idea to create a Little Free Food Pantry for our community. The Quinn/Engblom family constructed and installed the food pantry, which has been active in front of the natural playground by the Haysboro Community Association Hall.
“I saw a post about food pantries helping to strengthen communities by allowing people to share and access food as they needed. No questions asked, no information needed, just neighbours supporting neighbours. We loved this idea and set to work converting an old Ikea cabinet into this little free pantry.”
The Little Free Food Pantry was a successful initiative during the pandemic. Community members dropped off non-perishable food items and helped to keep the pantry full for immediate and local needs. The focus has now shifted to supporting local organized food pantries in the community as needs have changed.
The Acadia Food Pantry provides free emergency food for residents of many South neighbourhoods, including Haysboro. Established in April 2019, the pantry has provided free food on a monthly basis to anyone in the communities experiencing food insecurity. Food is distributed on the third Tuesday of the month, from noon to 12:45 pm at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE). If you would like to donate, 100% of every donation is used to buy food and supplies. If you require their services or for more information, please go to https://www.mcdunited.com/acadia-pantry or email acadiapantry@gmail.com.
The Calgary Food Bank is available as another resource. You must call or book an appointment online to be eligible for a hamper. During your booking, you must be ready to answer some personal financial questions to qualify. Hampers are booked based on scheduled availability. Once confirmed, they can be picked up at the main Calgary Food Bank location, or from one of the satellite locations including St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church right here in Haysboro. For more information, visit https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/.
Thank you so much to the Quinn/Engblom Family for putting this resource in our community for the past five years. The little Free Food Pantry will be converted into a children’s puzzle library in the spring.
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