For many seniors living on a limited or fixed income, food insecurity is a significant challenge and accessing healthy foods is becoming more difficult as prices increase.  Many seniors have mobility issues, health concerns or are without transportation.  A trip to the grocery store, something that many of us take for granted, is no longer simple.   Grocery delivery is not an option in many instances as not all seniors have access to technology.

Calgary Seniors supports older adults facing food insecurity and shopping challenges through the Shopping Companion program.  In the Shopping Companion program, seniors are matched long-term with a volunteer who assists the senior in getting their groceries.   In addition to ensuring seniors get their groceries on a regular basis, a critical component of the program is the companionship the volunteer provides, which is vital in combatting social isolation and improving overall mental health for the seniors.

Unfortunately, there are currently 274 seniors waiting for a match in the Shopping Companion program.  To help meet the needs of seniors we serve while they are on the waitlist, Calgary Seniors provides food hampers in urgent situations or short-term support through grocery pick-up and delivery.

Our goal is to recruit enough volunteers to reduce the growing waitlist, enhance short term supports such as food hampers and to ensure that seniors can access the support they need, when they need it.

2023 Statistics

4176 completed shopping trips             15,312 volunteer hours completed               108 active matches

“Me and my husband couldn’t get groceries on our own, so I don’t know how we would do without our volunteer.  She goes above and beyond fo us and is an excellent shopper who caters to our needs.  She’s perfect and I would recommend her to anyone else needing shopping support.”  Lydia, 89 years old