Feeding It Forwards

September 4, 2026

Guest Blog Posts

Feeding it Forwards is a youth-led food rescue organization in Vancouver that has two big goals! First, to reduce food insecurity in Canada; second, to reduce the massive problem of food waste in society. Since beginning our work in Vancouver and currently being led by a team of high-schoolers, we’ve been able to rescue more than $500,000 worth of food in Vancouver, and feed more than 6,000+ people through the 15+ charities we support.When we decided to expand into Calgary, partnering with the Leftovers Foundation gave us the local knowledge and support needed to turn those goals into meaningful action.

Through this partnership, our Calgary team, led by Saom Sakib, has been able to connect with local food donors and recipient organizations, including completing our first rescue of more than 70 pounds from Blush Lane Organic Market. Leftovers’ experience has helped us learn how to operate effectively in a new city while strengthening a shared mission: ensuring that good food reaches people rather than going to waste. We are really grateful for this partnership and can’t wait to see what we end up doing next!

Below, Saom Sakib, who leads Feeding it Forwards’ Calgary, shares her experience volunteering through the partnership.

“Giving back to my community has always been something I care about. I’ve always enjoyed getting involved in projects that have a real impact, and I’ve volunteered at family homes and shelters, as well as coaching and mentoring younger kids. It’s frustrating to see good food go to waste when there are people who could benefit from it, so I’m excited to help bring Feeding It Forwards to Calgary. I’m looking forward to building something that can make a lasting difference while getting more people involved in giving back.”

For Leftovers, additional helping hands are always appreciated. With the help of Feeding it Forwards, the network of volunteers is growing with young people. Colin King, Calgary City Coordinator with Leftovers, shares: “Youth are such an important part of our community. I’m so thankful to Feeding it Forwards for connecting us with amazing and passionate young people like Saom.”

Learn more about Feeding It Forwards at feedingitforwards.org

Feeding It Forwards

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COVID-19 Guidelines - Growers

Hello Growers,

THANK YOU for your commitment to reducing food waste and helping those experiencing food insecurity!

Below are some COVID guidelines to keep in mind when requesting a harvest:

CANCEL YOUR HARVEST REQUEST if you and/or someone that you have been in contact with is not feeling well, has travelled within 14 days, has been in close contact with a confirmed case of the Coronavirus, or are awaiting test results.

If you choose to keep some of the harvested food, please WASH IT BEFORE CONSUMING.

Please avoid contact with harvest volunteers. If you do interact with them in person, please ensure you MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE AND WEAR A MASK.

If you have any questions at all, please email us at help@rescuefood.ca. Thank you so much for your help and willingness to be there for our community!

COVID-19 Guidelines

Hello Volunteers,

THANK YOU for your commitment to reducing food waste and helping those experiencing food insecurity!

Below are some COVID guidelines to keep in mind while harvesting on behalf of Home Harvest:

You must SIGN A WAIVER prior to attending a harvest

Volunteers who sign up in the app must keep a record of everyone who attends each harvest with them so that they can be notified if needed for contact-tracing purposes

Please WEAR A MASK throughout the harvest and WASH YOUR HANDS/USE HAND SANITIZER before and after the harvest (and during, if necessary). Contact help@rescuefood.ca if you’d like a reusable mask.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING MUST BE PRACTICED AT ALL TIMES. Please ensure you maintain physical distance from individuals not in your cohort, including other harvest volunteers and growers.

DO NOT HARVEST FOOD if you and/or someone that you have been in close contact with is not feeling well, has travelled within 14 days, has been in contact with a confirmed case of the Coronavirus, or are awaiting test results.

SANITIZE SURFACES you come in contact with (fences, gates, tools, equipment) before and after the harvest.

LEAVE NO TRACE. Please take home any sanitizing equipment, masks and garbage created throughout the pick.

Practice NO CONTACT DROP OFFS at agencies (ensure that the food is in a safe/covered area).

Bags or boxes that you are using to contain/transport the harvested food do not need to be sterilized, but please ensure they are clean.

Please Note: Volunteers are not responsible for washing fruit before donation to charities. Charities that accept fruit donations will be responsible for fruit washing before food preparation and/or eating.

If you have any questions at all, please email us at help@rescuefood.ca. Thank you so much for your help and willingness to be there for our community!

Hello Growers,

THANK YOU for your commitment to reducing food waste and helping those experiencing food insecurity!

Below are some COVID guidelines to keep in mind when requesting a harvest:

CANCEL YOUR HARVEST REQUEST if you and/or someone that you have been in contact with is not feeling well, has travelled within 14 days, has been in close contact with a confirmed case of the Coronavirus, or are awaiting test results.

If you choose to keep some of the harvested food, please WASH IT BEFORE CONSUMING.

Please avoid contact with harvest volunteers. If you do interact with them in person, please ensure you MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE AND WEAR A MASK.

If you have any questions at all, please email us at help@rescuefood.ca. Thank you so much for your help and willingness to be there for our community!

COVID-19 Update