From hampers to shopping
Introduction to grocery model
Why are we switching from hampers to a grocery store?
There are a number of reasons:
Dignity for clients who can now choose their own products in all categories.
Efficiency for the CFB, as we will now have a better sense of what products our clients actually want, and adjust our purchasing accordingly.
Variety in our stock; if we no longer have to ensure continuity across all hamper contents, we can stock specialty items for certain clients or certain holiday occasions, etc.
Safety for clients with allergies and food sensitivities who can now browse products and ensure they are appropriate for specific diets.
Flexibility for volunteers to focus on learning about clients’ needs, spend time with clients who may be new to UofA, improve our data related to equity, and participate in this evolution in our programming.
How will accessing supplementary groceries change?
Hours and appointments
Our open hours and appointment bookings will not change.
Clients will still be eligible to visit every two weeks.
We will be open for the same four hours per week day at varying times of day.
Client experience
Clients will make appointments using the same system, Link2Feed. Clients will arrive at their appointment time and check in at our reception desk with their ONEcard. Volunteers will confirm and update client information.
Each client will receive a clipboard with a shopping list for their household size, indicating limits on certain items and ensuring clients know about all the items they are entitled to take.
Volunteers will be on hand to guide clients through the grocery store experience and answer any questions. Instructional signage in the grocery store will also help clients adjust to these changes. Clients will be able to help themselves to all categories of our stock: perishable, non-perishable, and toiletry goods.
Once shopping is complete, clients will “check out” at the reception desk, which just means that volunteers will weigh each clients’ groceries and note that in our reporting system.
Shopping limits
We will begin our grocery model switch with pretty much a 1:1 conversion from hamper contents to grocery shopping limits, meaning clients can expect to bring home about the same amount of food every two weeks. For example, a family hamper comes with 1kg of rice, and that would be the limit for how much rice a client shopping for themselves could take. There will be still allowances for swapping items within categories. These food categories and shopping limits will be clearly communicated through a shopping list provided to each client on a clipboard.
We will be actively seeking client feedback as we explore the potential of this model for better meeting client needs.
Shopping policies
All clients will be asked to wear a mask and sanitize their hands before entering our grocery store.
A ONEcard is needed to register and pick up hampers.
Clients are eligible to shop for groceries every two weeks.
Grocery shopping appointments can be made online at campusfoodbank.com/clients
Requests can be made for same day appointments, but may require longer wait times.
Please bring reusable bags to carry your groceries. Many clients use backpacks or suitcases with wheels.
We are a volunteer-run service, so please be patient with our team. Visits can take up to 30 minutes, so plan ahead for when you come to shop.
We follow Food Banks Canada standards for non-perishable items. Best before dates are guidelines and food is safe to distribute after the date has passed.
Availability of produce and other items change day to day and there are no guarantees of items in stock.
Clients will be asked to update their information at check-in to ensure profile information is up to date.
The Campus Food Bank reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is rude or abusive.
More information: campusfoodbank.com or info@campusfoodbank.com.
Evolving together
The Campus Food Bank encourages all clients to share feedback with volunteers or email info@campusfoodbank.com with feedback on this process. We will also be convening client focus groups later in fall semester - if you are interested in participating, please email us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this mean the pick up location is changing?
No. Appointments will be in the same place at our office in the Students Union Building (Room 1-81 on the main floor).
Does this change how I book an appointment?
No. You will still need to register/book an appointment using the link on our website and show up at the time of your appointment to our office. Volunteers will still check you in and ask for your onecard.
We will be adding more FAQs here as Grocery Model rolls out and clients communicate questions or concerns.
