Supplementary grocery program policies

  • Requirements to register

    You will need a current ONEcard to register and book a shopping appointment. Our program is open to current U of A students, staff, and alumni for up to 5 years after graduation. Staff will check in with clients periodically to ensure client profiles are current.

  • Booking your shopping appointment

    Clients can register for a visit every two weeks; all visits must be 14 days apart. Appointment bookings can be made on our website. If you have problems booking online, you can call us or visit us in our office.

  • Book before you arrive

    We cannot accommodate walk-ins or same-day bookings. If you miss your appointment, we cannot guarantee that your appointment can be rescheduled. If you are in urgent need of food, you can email us at info@campusfoodbank.com.

  • Collecting your supplementary groceries

    Please feel free to book our reserved parking space, available free to clients.

    When you arrive to pick up your food items, you’ll be asked to verify the information we have on file for you, and you may need to wait a few minutes in our client waiting area. You will then be welcomed into our grocery store and given a shopping list so you know what you can take.

    Sometimes groceries can be heavy and difficult to carry, so bring a rolling bag or sturdy reusable bags to carry your food home. We also have some bags available in case you forget yours!

  • Specialty items

    Sometimes infant supplies (diapers, baby food, formula) may be available when you visit. Please ask a volunteer or staff member to retrieve these specialty items from our store room.

    Toiletries such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc. and pet food for cats and dogs may also be available.

  • Respect our volunteers

    We are a volunteer-run service, so please be patient with our team. Visits usually take at least 15 minutes, so ensure you plan that into your schedule.

    The Campus Food Bank reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is rude or abusive to our volunteers, staff, or other clients. 

Register or book your pick-up

Important information about best before dates

 

The highlights

The Campus Food Bank checks each food item before giving it to you. We follow the Food Banks Canada standards for food safety. Non-perishable food can be safe to eat up to 12 months after the Best Before Date, depending on what the item is. Best Before Dates are guidelines, not a deadline for when food must be eaten by. 

We do not give out "expired food." However, if you ever receive a food product from us that is stale, please bring it back for an exchange.

Please call us at 780-492-8677 or come to SUB 1-81 if you have questions.

A photo of two cans each with a BB/MA (best before / french) stamped on their bottoms.

These are examples of ‘Best Before’ (or Meilleur Avant in French) dates.

 

What’s the difference?

Best Before Dates tell us when the item will have best quality if eaten by. These items are often safe to consume after this date. Food Banks Canada standards allow non-perishable food to be given out up to 12 months after this date.

Expiry Dates tell us the item CANNOT be consumed after the date. These dates are printed as “EXP” and are found on things like nutritional supplements and baby formula.

A zoomed in photo of a metal can with the EXP: date in full view.

This is an example of an EXP expiry stamp.