As a key social determinant of health, access to nutritious food is critically important to both physical and mental health. This is why we’re happy to partner with Fresh Routes, a not-for-profit, social enterprise in Calgary that has a mission to ensure everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food—especially those who need it most.
Fresh Routes delivers discounted healthy food directly to low socio-economic status communities year-round. They focus on removing stigma, promoting dignity and offering culturally relevant food choices to provide local communities with affordable access to healthy food. We sponsored seven community stops in and around Calgary and three stops in the Indigenous communities of the Stoney Nakoda, Piikani and Siksika Nations.
“Fresh Routes was established to take a dignity-based approach that doesn’t require proof of income and is affordable, convenient and culturally appropriate,” says Fresh Routes founder, Lourdes Juan. “This partnership means that Alberta Blue Cross® recognizes dignified food access for a healthier and food-equitable future.”