January & February Updates from the CFC
Happy New Year! 2021 has already started with a bang at the Alex Community Food, with new additions to the staff team and exciting new projects and programs in the works.

Be sure to check out our latest program calendar and to catch our talented team on Facebook for weekly demos.
Welcomes and Goodbyes

We are excited to welcome two new members to the team! Read more about Ajoy and Leanne below.

And with new staff at the Centre, Seth Munoz and Blake Spence are returning to the Alex’s main site. We can’t thank Seth and Blake enough for their exceptional contributions.

Seth skillfully led our meals-to-go program, working thoughtfully with staff and volunteers to ensure each meal-to-go is nutritious and delicious! Blake was instrumental in creating this past summer’s fun and festive outdoor affordable produce markets; his hard work and commitment to community can be also be tasted in the many meals he helped prepare. Thank you Seth and Blake!
Ajoy Sehgal joins us as our new Community Meals Coordinator. Ajoy brings over 35 years of experience in the hospitality sector, working with several International 5-star hotel chains and restaurants all over the world, as well as in community settings. Ajoy emigrated from India 16 years ago with his wife and two daughters and fostered a passion for building community, hiking and being in the outdoors.
Leanne Cripps joins the team as our new Garden Skills Coordinator. Leanne was part of a team that began the first community garden in Bowness 14 years ago. They transformed an empty lot into a thriving garden that has hosted hundreds of community members over the years. For the past 20 years gardening, sharing food around the table, and building community has been her passion.
Good Food!
Meals to Go
Our meals-to-go program runs weekly on Friday mornings between 10 am and 12 pm; pick up a delicious, nutritious frozen meal and salad kit for you and your family!

Affordable Produce Markets
Our next affordable produce market, a partnership with Fresh Routes, takes place on Wednesday, January 27, from 3 pm to 5 pm.

New times for the Affordable Produce Market
Beginning February 10, the Affordable Produce Market will take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Come by to purchase fruits and vegetables at a deeply discounted price and a fresh lunch to go!

February 10 and 24 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
March 10 and 24 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
New Roots Immigrant Project
The New Roots Immigrant project works alongside immigrant communities and features virtual pop-up kitchens and community kitchens; affordable produce markets with culturally relevant produce and meals-to-go; listen and learn activities to explore important issues and spark resident-led action.

Call or text Ariam at 403-863-3953 or email awolde-giorgis@thealex.ca to learn more about the New Roots Immigrant project and to get involved!
Affordable Produce Markets

Saturday, January 23
11 am to 1 pm
New Roots Affordable Produce Market and Latin American meal-to-go.

Saturday, February 6
11 am to 1 pm
New Roots Affordable Produce Market with an Asian inspired meal-to-go.

Saturday, February 20
11 am to 1 pm
New Roots Affordable Produce Market and Middle East meal to go.
New Roots Kitchens

A space for immigrant communities to create and share culturally inspired meals “to go” for the New Roots Affordable Market.

Friday, February 5
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm


Thursday, February 19
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Baking with the Tasse Family
Thursday, January 28
5 pm to 6:30 pm

Join Amny from Tasse Bakery in this virtual pop up class to learn how to make a traditional Middle-Eastern dessert, Sha''aybiyat شعيبيات (shay-bee-yet) crunchy buttery phyllo stuffed with creamy milk pudding.

Includes all ingredients!

Call or text Ariam at 403-863-3953 or email awolde-giorgis@thealex.ca to register.
Program Highlights
Ways of Knowing (virtual)
Gather online with Dion as she shares her knowledge about traditional Indigenous food, crafts, healing, and natural home and body care.

Mondays from 11 am - 12 pm
January 25
February 8
February 22

All supplies are included.

Call or text Dion at 403-312-6665 or email dnelson@thealex.ca to learn more or to register.
Dads* in the Kitchen
Back by popular demand! Dads *or any family member, and kids learn how to prepare delicious and healthy family meals together in this three-part program.

Mondays 5:30 - 7:3o pm
February 22
March 8
March 22

All ingredients are included.

Call or text Gina at 403-333-8142 or email gguo@thealex.ca to learn more or to register.
Virtually Growing
Prepare for the upcoming gardening season with Leanne, our new Garden Skills Coordinator. Learn online about “winter sowing” and share your tips as garden season inches closer.

This is a great class for all skill levels and experience in the garden!

Supplies provided.

Tuesdays 10 am - 11:30 am
February 9
February 23

Call or text Leanne at 403-369-2403 or email lcripps@thealex.ca to learn more and to register.
Stretch and Stroll
(Winter conditions or indoor facilities permitting)
Meet new friends and stay healthy! Join us for a gently paced weekly walk on Wednesdays, starting February 10 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. All abilities welcome!

Light snack provided; call or text Gina at 403-333-8142 or email gguo@thealex.ca to register.
Food Fit (virtual)
Food Fit is back! Join Gina online in this 10-week program to help you improve your well-being through healthy cooking in a positive, supportive environment.

Every Saturday 10 am - 12 pm
Starts February 6th

All ingredients are included.

Call or text Gina at 403-333-8142 or email gguo@thealex.ca to register. Participants are also encouraged to join Stretch and Stroll.
Community Building
Activate Greater Forest Lawn
Do you have ideas to build community? Ways to stay connected during the pandemic?

Apply for the Activate Greater Forest Lawn (GFL) Community Grants and get up to $500 dollars to move your idea to action!

Call or text Tara at (403) 660-1778 or Ariam at (403) 863-3953 to share your idea and learn more.
12 Community Safety Initiative (12 CSI) DiverseCity Workshops

Check out these free online workshops designed to help communities, organizations and businesses become more inclusive and welcoming. Join one or join them all!
Community Resources
Community Connect YYC is an innovative online booking tool that connects Calgarians to social supports ranging from basic needs to counseling, including The Alex's Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program with appointments available usually within one week or less.

The website empowers people to take control of their situation and to choose the right support based on their most pressing needs. Click here to learn more.

Calgary COVID-19 Community Food Map
Looking for food assistance? The City of Calgary published a community food map, detailing locations across the city providing food resources. Click here to learn more. 
The next municipal election takes place October 18, 2021 and The Sprawl, an independent local journal, is keeping a master list of all the candidates who have declared they’re running for Calgary City hall, the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District.