Families and neighbours
Community care starts with people
Each hamper is a reminder that families facing food insecurity are not alone.
Maria’s Food & Pantry Foundation
Nourishing families, strengthening community
Maria’s Food & Pantry Foundation supports individuals and families facing food insecurity with dignity, compassion, and care.
Food support in Calgary
Households across Calgary are hurting
More than 50% of people in our city say they are one pay cheque away from needing to use a community pantry.
Many families are already making impossible choices between paying rent on time and getting enough groceries. Some Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation members are employed, yet still cannot afford enough healthy food.
50%+
of people say they are one pay cheque away from needing pantry support.
1
hamper can give a household breathing room when money is tight.
Donations arrive
Food, funds, and essential items become practical relief.
Hampers go out
Volunteers turn support into groceries families can use.
Getting support
Hampers, groceries, and help finding the right next step
The pantry supports families, seniors, individuals, and newcomers with food hampers and practical care.
Saturday pantry day
Hampers are available on the Saturday pantry day for people and families who need food support.
Weekday appointments
During the week, the pantry is open by appointment only so volunteers can prepare support with care.
More than food
For support beyond groceries, 211 Alberta can connect people with community organizations.
Our wish list
The items that make the biggest difference
Shelf-stable staples, baby supplies, and simple school snacks help volunteers build useful hampers for households across Calgary.
Items we cannot accept
- Dented or unlabelled cans
- Broken or open packages
- Supplements or homemade food
- Homegrown fruit or out-of-date food items
Most needed
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned pasta sauce
- Pasta, 900g
- Rice, 2kg
- Peanut butter
- Baby formula
- Granola bars
Grains
Regular and gluten-free options are welcome.
- Pasta
- Rice
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Flour
Protein
- Peanut butter
- Canned or dried beans
- Canned fish and meat
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Pantry and baby items
- Diapers and formula
- Pasta sauce
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Canned soup
- School snacks
To drop off fresh or non-perishable food, please send us an email for instructions at maria@mariaspantry.com.
Extra care
Support that meets families where they are
Food insecurity often comes with other pressures. Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation also welcomes donations that help with hygiene, babies, and special moments for children.
Hygiene items
Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, deodorant, razors, and other everyday essentials.
Birthday party kits
Bags, cards, party supplies, books, art supplies, games, toys, cake mix, icing, balloons, and candles for children ages one to twelve.
Baby hampers
Baby cereal, infant formula, wipes, and diapers, especially sizes four, five, and six.
Give time
Volunteer with us
Sort donations, build hampers, assist at events, or contribute your professional skills. Flexible shifts and group opportunities available.
Warehouse
Events
Drivers
Admin
Sign Up
Community partners
Every supporter helps another household breathe a little easier
Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of corporate partners, donors, and neighbours. Long-lasting partnerships help keep hampers moving and make seasonal programs like Christmas hampers possible.
"Thank you very much for any food donation you are providing for Maria's Food Pantry, for families, and so many other people in these difficult times."