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Food insecurity is not just about hunger. It is about health, stability, dignity, and long-term outcomes for families.
Across communities, families continue to face barriers to consistent access to nutritious food. Single-parent households, Indigenous families, and newcomers experience disproportionately higher rates of food insecurity, often while navigating housing instability, rising costs of living, and limited access to supports.
The Sustainable Nourishment Program exists to fill the gaps where systems fall short. This program focuses on access to food today while also supporting longer-term food security, community connection, and education.
The Sustainable Nourishment Program is a multi-layered food security initiative that responds to immediate needs while building pathways toward sustainability.
Support may include:
• Fresh and non-perishable food hampers
• Protein sources such as eggs and meat
• Fresh produce
• Pantry staples
Support is never conditional. Participation in volunteer activities is optional and never required to access food.
Food insecurity impacts physical health, mental well-being, childhood development, and long-term stability. This program is not about short-term charity. It is about meeting families where they are, reducing barriers, and providing consistent, dignified support.
The Sustainable Nourishment Program is one of the ways Mamas for Mamas works alongside families to support stability, health, and resilience.
In Kelowna, the Sustainable Nourishment Program is anchored by a community-based farm model.
We manage a half-acre farm dedicated to food security for families accessing support. The farm produces:
• Approximately 38,000 pounds of fresh produce annually
• Over 20,000 eggs per year from 95 laying hens
Families may receive:
• Fresh produce grown on-site
• Farm-fresh eggs as a source of protein
• Nourishment hampers available through no-contact pickup or delivery
• Non-perishable food support
• Access to a baby market for essential infant supplies
Families who are able and interested may volunteer on the farm as part of a community-led approach to food security. Volunteering is optional and not required to receive support.
Beyond the farm, families may also receive materials and guidance to grow food at home, including backyard gardening supplies and, where permitted by local bylaws, laying hens.
This model supports both immediate nourishment and long-term food resilience.
In Calgary, the Sustainable Nourishment Program focuses on rapid-access food support and education through strong community partnerships.
With the support of the Calgary Flames Foundation and Ashley Furniture (The Dufresne Group), the Calgary branch provides food hampers to fill gaps when families cannot immediately access support through other agencies.
Hampers may include:
Fresh produce
Bread and pantry staples
Fresh and frozen protein, including eggs and meat
Dairy products
Non-perishable food items
Food hampers are adapted when possible to meet dietary needs and religious observances.
Beginning in 2024, the Calgary branch will also offer nutrition counselling, connecting nourishment, education, and overall well-being in a holistic and integrated way.
Families seeking support through the Sustainable Nourishment Program must complete a support request form.
Support requests are reviewed by the local branch to ensure families are connected to appropriate resources as quickly as possible.
Request support here:
https://www.mamasformamas.org/i-need-support/
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