The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank (CFB) first opened its doors in 1985 in response to a severe economic recession. The organization was founded after members of various organizations came together to provide better access to food when needed. CFB serves the City of Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries which together have a population of approximately 145,000 people. The food bank runs three programs: emergency food assistance, a food co-operative, and infant, youth, adult and senior programs.

CFB reports helping over 2,000 individuals and families each month through its programs. The food bank distributes food to 26 community organizations. In partnership with the Salvation Army, its emergency food assistance program provides up to 8 emergency food hampers per year to individuals and families in need. On its website it reported distributing 12,101 hampers “last year”, which is not dated.

The food co-operative program allows low-income individuals and families to join in the program. Its members are required to contribute $10 per month and volunteer 4 hours per month with the food bank or in the wider community. In return, these individuals receive food pick-ups every two weeks to supplement their regular grocery shopping budget.

CFB provides a variety of programs to infants, youth, adults and seniors in need. These programs include infant nutrition workshops, Backpacks for Bookworms which provides school supplies to low-income families, baby baskets to families expecting a child, and birthday boxes for families who cannot afford to buy their children a birthday present. Seniors can receive 1-on-1 support from an outreach worker and participate in weekly group sessions to reduce social isolation. The food bank also runs The Clothing Room which provides donated clothing and households items to families in need at no charge. The Clothing Room has a Career Closet, which provides formal clothing to those seeking employment or those needing it for events such as funerals or weddings.

Results and Impact: Charity Intelligence gave the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank an impact rating of Good for proven impact per dollar (see impact grid on the bottom right).

The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is a medium-sized charity that received monetary donations of $713k and collected food with a total value of $2.5m in F2017. The cost of food is approximated by the charity’s internal records. Administrative costs are 5% of total revenues and fundraising costs are 3% of total donations. For every dollar donated to the charity, $0.91 goes towards its program, which falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. The cents to the cause ratio has remained relatively stable since 2012. The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank has funding reserves of $740k. Excluding the cost of donated food, the food bank’s funding reserves can cover program costs for less than 10 months, indicating a need for donations.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated August 8, 2018 by Derek Houlberg.