The holidays are behind us, yet for individuals and families who are struggling, a prepared/frozen meal hamper from CUPS is more than food — it’s a much-needed support network against isolation. 

For the second year, we’re bringing help to clients’ doors — 100 Doors, to be exact.

With the meal, each person receives gift cards and a tub of nonperishable food. 100 Doors is lifted up by volunteers, our CUPS team, primary donor, Trent from Contract Professionals Canada Inc., and other generous contributors. An initiative with impact, words cannot express how grateful our clients are.

For people experiencing homelessness, our care coordination and Connect 2 Care teams will give out backpacks filled with food, hand and feet warmers, essential care items and gift cards etc. Each comes with a crocheted “pocket hug” heart made by a volunteer who experienced an immense personal loss.

100 Doors expands to serve more people

By February, most gift giving has long since wrapped up in Calgary. For our clients, who are referred through our Family Development Centre (FDC) and Community Development program, this meal helps show them that they are seen, heard and know their wellness is cared for, all through the language of food.

Sameer Deshpande, our Red Seal chef, is the guiding force behind preparing the meals and knows that with support from peers and donors, 100 Doors can help to further empower people.

“Food hampers are not just to satisfy hunger but also to create joyous memories worth a lifetime, a bond of affection with a sense of responsibility that when someone is in need, we are there,” says Sameer. “Everyone deserves to celebrate and enjoy the happy moments of life.”

This year’s prepared meal includes roast chicken with ancient grains, fettuccini alfredo, fresh veggies and a dessert. Each meal is made for clients’ dietary restrictions and faith-based specifications. 

An uplifting message to families in need

Grant Kennedy, Senior Manager of Family and Child Development at CUPS, said 100 Doors occurs during the post-holiday season when CUPS families historically face financial challenges.

“Even having that friendly knock on the door with something that seems small, but it’s really actually substantial in what it has to offer, shows that we are still connected as a community,” he said.

For many people we work with, the pandemic has led to precariousness in that, if they are employed, they often have to work in-person and experience loss of wages if they have to isolate.

During these times, balancing paying for food, shelter and heat is even more concerning for many families served by CUPS. Grant said food security issues should always be front of mind. A program like 100 Doors does double duty in that it shines light on challenges and warms bellies at the same time. 

CUPS breaks through isolation

Kristin Larson, Team Lead of Community Development & Subsidy and Supports at CUPS, referred single people in rent assisted housing to 100 Doors.

“Isolation is huge, especially for anyone who has experienced homelessness in the past, which all of these folks would have in some capacity,” she said. “It kind of stays with them.”

Re-housing a client, while a moment to celebrate, is not the end of wellness. Without community connections, natural supports and check ins, mental and physical health can deteriorate.

“The hamper brightens their day, their week, their month, because they’re going to get this wonderful home cooked meal that some can’t even afford based on budget,” Kristin said.

Barriers to food access in a challenging year

Out of those referred to the 100 Doors program, most rely on funding through programs such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Works. For many of our clients who are housed, there’s little left over after rent and bills, and food is even more expensive than ever.

The Calgary Food Bank has shifted their mandates for clients to receive emergency hampers after the 10-day window from their last request. Their support of 100 Doors — aided by a food grant — and our kitchen program proves that the food bank is a regular, responsive and integral partner to CUPS. 

To those who support and volunteer for this program — thank you times 100.