Food Share Programs in Alberta

National Food Share – 24% (773,845 pounds) – CAFB has signed agreements that donated Food Banks may retain product of 10 or more pallets will go exclusively to the members of the CAFB.

Allied Reclamation – 22% (693,060 pounds) – Distressed food products received from various donor companies via Calgary Allied Reclamation Services Inc. CIFB appointed program steward to share    product with food banks in Alberta, Southern BC and Saskatchewan.   CIFB is entitled to 40% of product received, 40% is for distribution to members of CAFB, and the remaining 20% for distribution to charities and not for profit agencies and Food Banks not included in the above.

Alternative Processing Systems (APS) – 6% (189,820 pounds) – Surplus food products as donated from Westfair Foods. There are 2 receiving points for APS product Edmonton and Calgary.   As per agreement, recipient all product, with an understanding that they may share surplus with other Food Banks if they so choose.   CIFB has an agreement with participating agencies to share not less than 25% of annually received APS product.  

Regional Share – 48% (1,534,315 pounds) – Regional Share is a program of the CIFB for members of the Southern & Central Alberta Food Bank Federation to make available surplus food from various food industry sources that is not designated to support their programs and services.

Collective Purchasing Partnership – Voluntary participation in the partnership uses the leverage of the total purchasing power of all participants to get the lowest price for standard food items through bulk purchasing at wholesale prices.
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Why Agreements are needed

Previously CIFB generously shared their food with smaller Food Banks with no contracts or agreements in place.   Agreements are needed for clarification and to make aware of the expectations and requirements of all parties involved.   Recipient Food Banks will be aware that variety, quantity and quality varies and agree that food products will not be sold for profit or used in the preparation of any food product that is sold for profit.

Agreements are specifically required from Food Banks to show commitment to a distribution network that allows the CIFB to develop a logistical plan for the movement of food products.   Recipient Food Banks will better have the ability to prepare and plan for more regular shipments of food products and is required to make every attempt to accept product as agreed to.   Should a Food Bank decline to receive 3 shipments within a 12 month period there will be a review of   their future involvement in the program. Agreements will allow for present and future considerations of storage and warehousing of food products as well as for efficient administration and management of staff and volunteers for all Food Banks involved.

In order to display due diligence and transparency of process the CIFB will track food distribution and communicate results at regular intervals. Transportation is the responsibility of recipient Food Banks, however CIFB will attempt to get product to recipient Food Banks through their transportation network.   For efficiency and cost savings this may result in food products going to a secondary distribution “hub” for pick up.  

Food Bank Agreement
Collective Purchasing


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