I Can for Kids provides meals for students in need over the summer. Due to covid, they had to switch their model from providing food to giving food cards. In 2020, a U of C study was undertaken to look at provision of grocery gift cards. Two researchers did an interview process with families from all four quadrants in Calgary with data reviewed by a team of experts.
The findings:
- Provides poverty relief, relieving stress over food and other expenses.
- Avoids embarrassment of being recipients of food hampers. Food cards allow for families meeting their individual needs.
- Increased nutritional value of their diet. 70% - 80% of food hampers goes to waste.
As a result of this study, distribution of food cards will continue. $1.2 million worth of food cards has been given out since the food cards started, and has had a significant impact on poverty reduction.
Food cards are helping other front line support systems who provide food hampers. Logistically, food cards are far less work than collecting food for hampers.
Questions were sent to Bobbi to respond to by e-mail due to time restraints.
Do you get any discounts on the grocery cards?
Yes. The percentage of discount is dependent on the monetary value of the total purchased per transaction and varies from retailer to retailer. Most often we realize at least a 6% discount because we buy in greatest volume to maximize the discount. Co-op offers the greatest discount at 9% but recipients rarely ever want Co-op. They are very prudent with our gift cards and prefer Superstore where they can maximize their dollars as well as access the most culturally diverse foods.
How did you go about getting feedback from the gift cards recipients?
Since we started I Can for Kids, we’ve collected feedback through a comprehensive annual survey, as well we receive feedback throughout the year through our agency partners. Additionally, excellent information was collected through the one-on-one, in-depth interviews conducted by the University of Calgary research study facilitators. Last fall and going forward, the study questions guide our annual survey questions.
How was the transition made from collecting food donations to collecting dollars for grocery gift cards?
The shift to grocery gift cards was seamless and efficient for us. We already had a very successful distribution model built with our network of frontline agency partners so we didn’t need to create anything new that would have delayed getting support to families. In fact, we launched three months ahead of schedule and had gift cards in the hands of hungry kids and families within days of schools shutting down in March last year. Instead of delivering food, gift cards were provided and distributed in the same manner as food. More dollars were available through COVID response grants in 2020 (not nearly the same level of funding is available this year) and many funders simplified application processes so not to bog down our administration – we needed to focus our attention on programming.
Was there more food donations vs dollar donations and has that changed since inception of this program?
Although we have been fortunate to receive mass food donations in the past, COVID brought that to a screeching halt – the food supply chain was significantly disrupted and the first priority was filling grocery store shelves, not donating food. We realized far more support with cash funding than food in 2020 and 2021. Funding has since dropped off in 2021, which is why maximizing every dollar donated is so important to us and to the kids and families we support.
What is the plan to collaborate… centralisation of the system? What does that look like? Would this draw from the collective impact approach? I know VCC works with champions that have adopted the collective impact approach. Is this something that I Can For Kids will be exploring?
At the moment, we’re exploring/entertaining if centralization of grocery gift card acquisition and distribution is possible and if so, what does that look like for us and for other organizations who would want to participate. That said, since COVID, we continue to experience growing demand for our services and receive regular requests to engage in partnerships and collaborations with other local agencies and organizations. We believe in the power of partnerships and the collective impact we can have on food insecurity, however a formalized vetting process for these requests is required to ensure we are investing our time and resources responsibly to have the greatest impact. Many requesting “collaboration” are actually just looking for us to fund their food programs – this lacks the spirit of true collaboration and vision for longer term solutions. We are currently engaging in a strategic process to determine how we identify agency and joint venture partners, what processes are required to ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial to us and to the communities we serve, and potential risks and mitigation on both sides. It is important to have this work complete prior to diving into creating a centralized gift card system. We firmly believe in collaboration, it’s why I Can for Kids has been so successful in the sector. Effective collaboration lessens duplication of services and maximizes resources and we have a brilliant system in place, so if we can lend a hand to streamline processes for others, we’re open to those discussions. But armed with established principles, guidelines and vision.
"Many thanks again for the opportunity to present to your club. I’m always open to questions or meeting with anyone who wants to learn more about what we do."
Barbie Hames thanked Bobbi and a Shelter Box donation was given in Bobbi's name.
Team Meeting
Please talk with a team member to find out what was discussed.
Announcements
Ken Montgomery reported on the "Eclectic On-line Auction" with a target of raising $10,000. Items will be collected in September, put on auction on our commerce website and completed in October. He needs volunteers to donate items, solicit items from businesses and marketing.
Bill Quinney announced 345 hours of volunteer time in July. While this is outstanding, he noted that 80% of the work is done by 20% of our members.
Gord Cox: On Thursday, September 9, there will be a demonstration and learning opportunity on ClubRunner and our Club website. Just click on the register button on the calendar on our website. Please reply by September 1. The cost is $35 for a meal at the Ranchmen’s Club.
President Marlene thanked all involved in today's meeting and recognised Steve Strang for his Club Service.
.png)
