What is Community Plate?
Community Plate is a meal card program designed to bring people together through food and community. It’s a simple way to make a difference—whether you’re an individual, a community organization or corporate sponsor, you can purchase a Community Plate meal card to prepay for a meal, which is then available for anyone in need to redeem.
We believe in ensuring that support reaches those who would benefit the most from a warm meal, so our meal cards are distributed through trusted individuals and groups who are on the front lines of addressing food insecurity in Edmonton.
These include social workers, community support workers, Edmonton food banks (student food banks, veterans food banks etc.) and community organizers/leaders. By working with other community-minded organizations, we ensure every Community Plate card is a meaningful gesture of support — a warm meal and a reminder that we care.
We hope this helps to build a stronger, more connected Edmonton— one meal at a time.
Contact us to participate as an individual or as an organization or corporate sponsor at info@banhmididdy.ca or 780-868-3813
Please note, corporate sponsorship packages are available, more information after FAQs.
FAQs
Who will the Community Plate cards support? The cards are designed to support individuals and families in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. This includes those who may not have consistent access to nutritious meals due to financial or personal challenges.
How will the cards be distributed?
The cards will be distributed in collaboration with local organizations such as food banks, shelters, schools, and community centers. These partners will help ensure the cards reach those who need them most.
What can someone get with a Community Plate meal card?
Each meal card can be redeemed for a fresh warm meal from participating restaurants, at this time this includes our shop Banh Mi Diddy.
Can I donate to support the Community Plate program?
Absolutely. Community members and businesses can contribute by sponsoring meal cards or donating funds to the program. Every contribution helps provide meals to those in need.
Can I donate anonymously to support the Community Plate program? Yes, you can donate anonymously to the Community Plate program. If you’d prefer to keep your contribution private, we respect that. However, if you’re comfortable with it, we love to highlight our donors—whether you’re a private individual or business. Either way, we’re grateful for your support in helping us bring meals to those in need.
How do participating restaurants handle the cost of meals?
The program is supported through donations, sponsorships, and contributions from the participating community members and local businesses that care. This ensures the meals are covered without creating additional financial strain for the small local restaurants involved while still allowing restaurants to contribute by subsidizing the meal costs.
Is the Community Plate program available to anyone?
The program is specifically aimed at supporting those facing food insecurity. Whether it is our neighbours struggling with houselessness or community members who may be working or studying full time but are still struggling to make ends meet. Anyone can be affected by food insecurity at some point in their lives. The community organizations and groups we work with will assess eligibility and distribute the cards accordingly and oftentimes an expression of need from community members is enough.
How can I get involved with the Community Plate program?
You can donate, volunteer, or share information about the program to help spread the word.
Where can the cards be used?
Currently, the cards can be redeemed with at Banh Mi Diddy. We hope to expand the list in the future.
How often can someone use a Community Plate card?
The program provides one meal per card. However, the number of cards distributed to individuals or families will depend on their current circumstances.
How will the program ensure dignity and respect for participants?
The Community Plate program prioritizes anonymity and ease of use. The cards function similar to a regular gift certificate, allowing recipients to enjoy their meal without stigma or judgment.
Can other restaurants or businesses join the program?
Yes! We encourage other local businesses to join us in supporting the community. Interested businesses can contact us to learn more about how they can participate.
In the sponsorship packages I see the option of Community Plate meal cards or hampers, why both?
We believe in meeting people where they are and offering options that suit their needs. Some community members may prefer choosing their own meals with a Community Plate meal card, while others may benefit from the immediate provision of essential food items. By offering both, we can provide support that is flexible and tailored to diverse situations.
Why should programs addressing food insecurity offer options like restaurant gift certificates/meals instead of focusing solely on basic groceries?
Providing restaurant gift certificates goes beyond meeting basic needs—it offers dignity, choice, and moments of normalcy. It allows individuals to enjoy a special meal, take a break from daily struggles, and feel included in the community. Food is about sustenance but it also helps to foster connection, comfort, and belonging.
What do you include in the food hampers?
Our food hampers are thoughtfully assembled to include appropriate, quality food items that are practical and useful for the recipients. They may contain:
Non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods.
Culturally appropriate foods or tailored items depending on their preferences. We aim to ensure each hamper is versatile, and provides enough to help support a family or individual for several meals.
How can I learn more about the Community Plate program?
For more information, feel free to reach out to us at info@banhmididdy.ca
We’re happy to answer any additional questions and share more about the initiative.
Corporate Sponsor Packages
Join us in addressing food insecurity in Edmonton through Community Plate. By becoming a sponsor you’re not just contributing to a local business—you’re joining a heartfelt partnership that extends beyond the walls of our kitchen. Your donation helps us provide food and essential support to those in need within our community, from families struggling to make ends meet to seniors facing chronic poverty. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, offering nourishment and hope to those who need it most. Through your generosity, we can work hand-in-hand to build a stronger community, one meal at a time.
1. Supporter – $395
What You Fund:
- 25 Community Plate meal cards OR 10 food hampers for individuals in need.
For our Sponsors:
- Instagram story thanking you/your business for sponsorship
- Business name and/or logo added to the Community Plate sponsorship board in the shop
Impact:
- Directly provide 25 warm meals or 10 essential food hampers to those facing food insecurity.
2. Neighbour – $595
What You Fund:
- 40 Community Plate meal cards OR 15 food hampers, along with support for local outreach efforts.
For our Sponsors:
- Instagram story thanking you/your business for sponsorship
- Business name and/or logo added to the Community Plate sponsorship board in the shop
- Business name and/or logo and website link added to the Community Plate sponsorship page on our website
Impact:
- Help extend the reach of Community Plate, offering 40 warm meals or 15 essential food hampers to individuals in Edmonton.
3. Plate Partner – $1,000
What You Fund:
- 68 Community Plate meal cards OR 25 food hampers.
For our Sponsors:
- Instagram story thanking you/your business for sponsorship
- Business name and/or logo added to the Community Plate sponsorship board in the shop
- Business name and/or logo and website link added to the Community Plate sponsorship page on our website
- A featured post on our social media channels
Impact:
- Provide immediate meal relief to 68 individuals or essential food hampers to 25 families, amplifying your business’s commitment to the community.
4. Community Champion – $2,500
What You Fund:
- 150 Community Plate meal cards OR 60 food hampers, and partial funding for outreach efforts.
For our Sponsors:
- Instagram story thanking you/your business for sponsorship
- Business name and/or logo added to the Community Plate sponsorship board in the shop
- Business name and/or logo and website link added to the Community Plate sponsorship page on our website
- A featured post on our social media channels
- Inclusion of your sponsorship in a local print publication with a spotlight on your company’s support
Impact:
- Strengthen food security for individuals and families through enhanced community outreach.
5. Kindness Leader – $5,000
What You Fund:
- 250 Community Plate meal cards OR 75 food hampers and organized meal event(s) in the community in partnership with local organizations and groups.
For our Sponsors:
- Instagram story thanking you/your business for sponsorship
- Business name and/or logo added to the Community Plate sponsorship board in the shop
- Business name and/or logo and website link added to the Community Plate sponsorship page on our website
- A featured post on our social media channels
- Inclusion of your sponsorship in a local print publication with a spotlight on your company’s support
- Logo placement on meal cards
- Recognition in local media coverage of Community Plate initiatives
- Opportunity to co-brand a Community Plate event or multiple events
- Framed certificate of recognition for display at your business
Impact:
- Provide widespread meal support through 250 meals or 75 food hampers and build lasting partnerships to address food insecurity in Edmonton.
If you’d like to donate an amount not included in the packages, we’re happy to create a customized sponsorship plan to suit your needs.
Email us at: info@banhmididdy.ca
Every sponsorship matters. Together, we can nourish those in need, offer hope and strengthen our community. Thank you for your generosity!