Nourishment That Strengthens an Entire Network of Care

Nourishment That Strengthens an Entire Network of Care

Through our December granting cycle, the Leg Up Foundation invested $10,000 into Soup Sisters to strengthen their Soup Bank program.

At a time when food costs are straining organizations and vulnerable individuals alike, many frontline agencies report having no food budget at all, even as demand continues to rise.

Kitchens are over capacity. Staff and volunteers are stretched thin. Soup Sisters steps into that gap.

Through their accredited commercial kitchen, Soup Sisters produces large volumes of highly nourishing, ready-to-serve soup made with fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition.

These meals are then distributed to shelters, violence prevention agencies, recovery centres, outreach programs, and community organizations serving individuals facing food insecurity and crisis.

The $10,000 investment from the Leg Up Foundation will provide more than 6,500 servings of nourishing soup in 2026 alone.

But beyond the numbers, each serving represents something deeply human.

Frontline teams consistently report that when clients are fed, they engage more openly in counselling, recovery programming, and safety planning.

Nourishment steadies the body, restores energy, and creates the conditions for growth.

As one individual shared:

“I am homeless and your soup is my meal for the day. I eat your soup five times a week… It is the reason I go there.”

Support from the Leg Up Foundation increases total meal production in 2026 and strengthens the entire network of care surrounding vulnerable individuals and families.

When we invest in Soup Sisters, we are investing in stability, dignity, and resilience - one bowl at a time.

Strengthening Local Food Security: Airdrie Food Bank

Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our region. Through our fall funding cycle, the Leg Up Foundation provided $6,000 to Airdrie Food Bank in support of their core services.

As their team shared, these funds directly support school nutrition initiatives, pantry access, and their hamper program. The organization is currently spending approximately $3,000 per month on milk alone, ensuring families and children have access to fresh, healthy choices.

Their message to us was simple and heartfelt: “Thank you for your generous support.” Behind those words are households whose cupboards are filled, students who are nourished at school, and families who experience a measure of relief during difficult times.

Creating Safe Spaces at Rowan House Society

At Rowan House Society, support looks like safety, protection, and hope.

They shared the story of a mother and her young son who had spent two weeks waiting to bring their beloved dog to safety after escaping harm. While the mother was escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to retrieve the dog, her son remained at the Emergency Shelter with a Shelter Support Worker assembling the dog’s kennel in anticipation of the reunion.

When asked if he was excited to see his dog again, he quietly replied yes, explaining that his dog had protected him, and that he protected his dog.

Moments later, as the dog and child ran toward one another outside the shelter, joy replaced fear. It was a moment of healing that staff will always remember.

Support from the Leg Up Foundation helps Rowan House continue providing emergency shelter, advocacy, and safety planning for women, children, and families experiencing domestic violence. These are the moments your generosity makes possible.

A Community Effort

Through 50/50 draws, seasonal events, and year-round fundraising, the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation is proud to support organizations that address food insecurity, family safety, and mental wellness across Alberta.

As we continue into 2026, we remain committed to investing in programs that strengthen communities from the ground up. We are grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible — and proud to share the stories of impact created together.