For over 40 years, the Regina Food Bank has relied on donations of cash, food, and time to keep in operation.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization,” said David Froh, vice president of community with the Regina Food Bank.

“We feed 16,000 people a day without any government funding, so these volunteers make lunches for school groups, they pack hampers, they greet our clients when they come in, and quite honestly, many of them start to feel like family over the years,” Froh continued. “We could not have operated for 40 years of feeding our neighbours without Regina and area volunteers.”

Froh says there are various ways to volunteer, including working in the kitchen to make meals, greeting clients, packing food hampers, and sorting food.

“I encourage potential volunteers to reach out; we’ll be happy to say hello, and we’re always looking for more,” he said. “We benefited from 15,000 hours of volunteerism last year.”

Froh said other ways people can volunteer are by hosting or participating in a food drive and volunteering their time to learn about what is driving food insecurity.

“When you host a food drive, when you talk to your kids at the dinner table about why people are hungry, it makes a difference because we can’t be a healthier community when so many are looking for food, so it connects to the cause,” he said. “Food drives are a great way to get food to the food bank, but what’s important is for you to talk about why so many people are coming through our doors.”

Froh added that he can’t thank volunteers enough during volunteer week for everything they’ve done for the organization.

“They’re truly the reason why, over 40 years, we’ve fed so many people,” he stated. “Food Bank is really ran by community for community. It’s run by volunteers. Talking about the food bank, talking about why we’re so busy, and if you have a few dollars laying around, feeing your neighbors.”

Froh said those interested in volunteering at the Regina Food Bank can visit its website for more information.

https://www.reginafoodbank.ca/how-to-help