Good Food Box An Affordable Option For Healthy Food

Good access to healthy and affordable food is hard to come by these days. With the rising cost of food and issues with supply chains due to natural disasters and the pandemic, the Good Food Box program is a great choice for people living in the Strathmore region.

Anyone can take part in the program explained Tammi Sieben of Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

“You do not need to apply for the program and you do not need to qualify. Anybody can order the Good Food Box. You simply call FCSS and place your order.”

The Good Food Box program has been in running in Strathmore since 2014, and is a non-profit organization that offers access to quality produce like fruits and vegetables. The boxes are packed by volunteers and accessible through Strathmore FCSS.

“This program provides healthy, nutritious food at lower costs than grocery stores, making it affordable for people on a fixed income and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to eat healthily," explains Sieben.

“It also encourages people to try new foods as every box has something new or different, and possibly something you've never even tried before,” she said.

Boxes are delivered on a monthly basis and the amount of groceries varies depending on the size of the family and box ordered. On average there is enough food for about two weeks.

Sieben explained that the boxes are loaded with fruits and vegetables.

“The Good Food Box program is operated by community Kitchens of Calgary and they source locally as much as possible, each month you will find the staples such as potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes and then a variety of other fruits and vegetables like pineapple, avocado or squash. Each month it's a new surprise.”

“There are three sizes of boxes. The small is about 25 to 30 pounds, and that one is $27. The medium is about 35 to 40 pounds, and that one costs $32 and the large is approximately 40 to 50 pounds, and that one is $37,” she said.

For questions about the Good Food Box residents can contact Strathmore FCSS at 403-934-9090.