2 Alberta food banks adopt grocery-style model to give families more choice and dignity
Two Alberta food banks have transitioned to a grocery-style model that allows clients to choose their own food items rather than receiving pre-packed hampers. This shift aims to provide dignity and a sense of control to individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Why it matters
The adoption of client-choice models in food banks represents a significant shift in social services toward more human-centric and respectful aid delivery.
The Fort Saskatchewan Nourishment Centre recently introduced a grocery-shopping model. Clients still register in advance and get the same amount of food, based on family size. But now, people can choose most of the foods they want, instead of receiving pre-packed hampers.
"Now they get to see all the different types of cereal we have, for example. So if they want Rice Krispies, they can choose Rice Krispies," Linda Bernicki, the centre's executive director, told CBC News.
Frozen foods are still packaged separately because the centre does not yet have the capacity to relocate its freezers into the shopping area.
The idea stemmed from research conducted by volunteers that looked at successful food banks across Canada, she said. Then, the centre customized the format to meet the needs of its facility and community.
Why some food banks are ditching hampers and embracing client choice
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