Food security is an on-going concern for many families. The cost increases due to inflation after the pandemic has seen people who have good jobs, finding themselves making difficult decisions. Food or rent. Bills or food.
The Regina Food Bank sees as many as 17,000 clients per month, and the need is even greater than that.
Friday morning, the doors will open on a new delivery model for the food bank.
The “Asahtowikamik Food Hub” is the first in Canada to bring this concept to a reality. “Asahtowikamik” means “feeding lodge” in Cree. The name was gifted through ceremony by Elder Murray Ironchild of Piapot First Nation to the Regina Food Bank for their new location.
The “Community Food Hub” is a grocery store, where food bank users can come in and get the food they need, and the food they want.
Its exactly like a grocery store with shelves lined with everything from flour to sugar, cereal to bread.
There are coolers as well that have eggs, milk and fresh fruit.
Outside of the “Community Food Hub” is a play structure and gathering area for families, along with a basketball court which is getting its final touches before opening to the public.
This was made possible by the tireless work of the people at the food bank, and numerous community partners.
BMO has donated one million dollars to the Regina Food Bank to help with delivering food to those who need it in our community.
“BMO is proud to support Canada’s first at-scale choice model food bank here in Regina,” said June Zimmer, Regional President, Western Canada, BMO Private Wealth. “This donation is making a difference in our community by providing more options and greater food security for those that need it most. Investing in the communities we serve is inspired by BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and our commitment to making progress by eliminating barriers to inclusion.”
Harvard Media (the owner of this media outlet) donated $475,000 dollars to the Regina Food Bank in cash, and advertising services.
The “Community Food Hub” is located at 12th avenue and Broad Street, and will open its doors Friday August 16th at 9:00am.
