Your Questions, Answered
What is PA Food Box?
We are a program that has been quietly running for 15 years in the community of Prince Albert and area under the Smart Families Food Co-op. We have recently partnered with YWCA Prince Albert to deliver the program thru the Community Connection Centre under the new name of Prince Albert Food Box. The aim is to increase access to healthy food and reduce food insecurity in our community. We work with under-served communities and schools to deliver healthy food and food education.
​The Food Boxes are pre-ordered and delivered twice a month on set dates. The Coordinator calculates how many boxes are needed for the delivery day and purchases food in bulk to be portioned on the box day and delivered to member’s location of choice. This means that members get savings on the food they purchase.
Can Anyone Participate?
Absolutely! Our Food Box is available to residents of Prince Albert and surrounding areas who want to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at a very affordable cost.
How Can I Sign Up?
Easy peasy! Just fill out our Online Form. If you're having trouble signing up, please call our Coordinator at (306) 763-0242 or email ​pafoodbox@gmail.com
How Do I Pay Each Month?
Payments are due a week before food box delivery dates. We accept cash at the depots, post-dated cheques, or send e-transfer to pafoodbox@gmail.com. The YWCA Community Connection Centre also accepts debit and credit card payments! You also have the option to pay online with a credit card. We'll send you an email with a link to pay.
If you have arranged home delivery, don’t forget to include your delivery fee per box. To pre-pay for a set number of deliveries (e.g. 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or a full year), please contact our Coordinator.
For payment due dates and delivery dates, click here.
Can I Order Two or Three Boxes at Once?
There is no limit to the amount of food boxes you can order each month. This is great for when you are planning large family meals or gatherings. Order ahead and don't worry about Great-Uncle Joe eating five portions! You've got it under control!
Am I Locked Into a Contract?
Never! No contracts, no worries. If you're interested in trying it out for a month, or if you have to skip a month, no problem.
Can I Have my Box Delivered to my Home or Workplace?
Currently, we don't have the capacity to do door-to-door deliveries. We make exemptions for the elderly who are not able to drive to a depot -- for an additional $5, prearranged and prepaid only.
Can I Select the Items I Want in my Food Box?
No, at this time we select foods based on the best quality and price available. If you have a special request for a large group order, contact us and we will do our best to meet your organization's needs.
What Does the Food Come In?
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, we are no longer prepackaging each portion in plastic bags. Food is placed directly into reusable totes or cardboard boxes. Please bring your own reusable bags to pick up your order as the totes are not to leave the depots. The intent is to reuse the totes at our depot locations. Cardboard box is used to service locations outside of Prince Albert, or upon request.
How Does "Box-It-Forward" Work?
We're glad you asked! With the huge savings that you get from the PA Food Box program, you now have the option to pay it forward by purchasing a food box to help nourish individuals and families in crisis who are in transition to independence through the YWCA Prince Albert homeless shelters and various other programs
I Don't Reside at Any of the YWCA Shelters, but I can't Afford to Buy a Food Box; Do I Qualify for a Free Box?
Absolutely! Please fill out the form on our Box-It-Forward page. We will give you a call when we have donated food boxes available. For now, please speak to your agency if you qualify for social assistance. They may be able to purchase the box on your behalf. You get more food for your money than what you'll get at the grocery store!
Can I Volunteer?
Yes! We are a non-profit organization and always welcome volunteers. Find out more over here: How to Volunteer.
Can I Get Reminders of Payment Due Dates and Delivery Days?
Yes! Type @pafoodbox and send the text message to (587) 409-2973. You don't have to download an app to access this service.