The WCA Pop-Up Pantry

Free groceries for the whole community, every Tuesday at 5:30 PM. Take what you need, and leave enough for others.

WCA Pop-Up Pantry poster: open Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, one adult member per household

How access works

The Pop-Up Pantry is open Tuesdays at 5:30 PM at 228 Whitehorn Road NE, in the Market Hall (west entrance). The Seniors Pantry runs on Fridays at 3 PM, for seniors.

One adult member per household only. Bring your own bag or box. No holds or deliveries, sorry.

Order of access

Whitehorn residents with a WCA membership
Outside residents with a WCA membership
All other visitors, by randomly assigned number

How it works

The Pop-Up Pantry runs every Tuesday at 5:30 PM. The Seniors Pantry is a separate sitting on Fridays at 3 PM, for seniors. Both are free, and we ask that everyone follows the guidelines below so access stays fair and respectful for all. Membership applications this year are open to Whitehorn residents only.

Sharing is caring. Please take what you need and leave enough for others. Donations are not expected, but they are gratefully accepted, and they go straight back into the pantry: fuel for our volunteer drivers and bulk food purchases.

Parking. Park in the North Lot off Whiteridge Way NE and enter through the west doors facing the ice rink and community garden. Get directions.

Pantry guidelines

One adult member per household

To keep access fair, only one adult per household may attend.

Dietary restrictions

We can't guarantee accommodations for specific dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, halal, and so on).

Children must be supervised

Children must stay with an adult at all times. Climbing on furniture or rink boards, or damaging property, is not allowed.

No carts, wagons or strollers indoors

Space is limited, so please leave carts, wagons and strollers outside.

No littering

Please don't leave behind empty boxes, bags or unwanted food. Dispose of waste properly.

Audio & video recording

By attending, you consent to being recorded (audio and video) for safety and quality assurance.

Respect is mandatory

Verbal abuse, arguing or any form of disrespect toward volunteers or other attendees will not be tolerated.

Bring ID & membership card

Please carry your membership card and a valid photo ID. Following these guidelines keeps the pantry safe and welcoming for all; not following them may result in a permanent ban from the program.

Become a WCA member

Pantry visitors don't need a membership, but members get priority access. A WCA membership is just $10 a year (valid July 1 to June 30). We are only accepting new membership applications from Whitehorn residents this year.

Become a member

Who we are

In the early days of 2020, as the world reeled from the pandemic and grocery costs soared, a simple idea took root in Whitehorn: volunteers began providing free bread to seniors struggling to make ends meet. What started as one item for one need has grown into a community lifeline, helping over 200 families each week.

Now known as the WCA Pop-Up Pantry, it owes much of its success to partners like Second Harvest and Guru Nanak Free Kitchen Calgary. At its heart, it is powered by a dedicated group of volunteers of all ages who gather donations, sort and pack food, and serve the families who rely on it.