More Than A Meal

Banff Food & Friends: A Season Update

We are so grateful for these Monday dinners.

Grateful for those who come and sit down and share a meal. Grateful for those who help make it happen each week. Grateful for those who like our posts, share them widely, spread the word, bring friends, and support this work with generosity, with encouragement, and yes, even with a bit of good gossip.

We love doing this.

Growth and the reality behind it

Over the past few months, Banff Food & Friends has grown. 

What used to feel like a full night is now just a normal Monday.

In 2025, serving 250 to 300 meals was a big evening. This year, we are regularly serving 300 to 370 meals, and we have already had a night over 400. The room is full. The line is often out the door. People are coming, sitting down, and sharing a meal together.

That is a good thing.

It also means the cost of running each Monday continues to rise. Right now, each dinner costs between $800 and $1000 or more. Donations remain strong, but they are not quite keeping pace with the growth. On average, weekly giving covers a good portion of the cost, but not all of it, and as more people come, that gap increases.

Thankful for support

There is a lot to be thankful for.

The Pauw Foundation has given $25,000 this year, and the Banff Canmore Foundation has given $13,000. Those numbers translate directly into meals served and a place for people to gather each week.

We are also seeing steady support from those who give week by week. Tap donations in particular have made a real difference. Many people are giving small amounts, and together that adds up. On many Mondays, tap giving matches or even exceeds what is given in cash.

Looking ahead

As we look ahead, we want to invite continued support.

Every dollar counts. Whether it is a one-time gift or something smaller and consistent, it helps sustain what is happening each Monday. As attendance grows, so does the need.

We also want to let you know that Banff Food & Friends will pause for two weeks at the end of April as we carry out repairs and upgrades to the Hall kitchen. There will be no dinners on Monday, April 20 and Monday, April 27. We will resume the following week.

Banff Food & Friends is not just about food. It is about creating a place where people can come, sit down, and not feel alone.

Thank you for being part of this with us.

With Gratitude,

Seth Enriquez
Program Director