Moose Jaw and District Foodbank has begun implementing several reforms under its first executive director.
The first of these changes, which will allow the food bank to better meet the changing needs of its customers, is extending its opening hours.
“We have known for a long time that many people who need our services are unable to receive them during our current normal business hours,” Moose Jaw and District Food said Dean Little, the bank's public relations manager.
The extended opening hours will come into effect from 1 June 2024, allowing customers to access the service every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, with regular food basket opening hours also being extended until 1pm.
“It's exciting to think we can reach so many more people who are food insecure,” Little said.
It's also worth noting that the hours when people can bring in food donations have also been expanded, with donations now being accepted from 9pm to 4pm Monday to Friday, an increase of two hours per day.
More volunteers will be needed to cover these hours, Little said, asking the public to check out the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank's social media pages and see how they can help. We encourage you to check to see if positions and hours are available and to submit your volunteer application.
Changes to operating hours will also allow the food bank to prepare for what is expected to be continued demand for its services.
“Right now, more working families than ever across Canada are using our services and food banks,” said Little. “We want to help those in need as much as we can.”
Demand has increased significantly, with the food bank projecting a 58 percent increase in utilization in 2023 alone. This means the food bank provides food insecure assistance to more than 700 households each month, totaling more than 1,800 people, 40 percent of whom are school-age children.
A large-scale food donation drive is underway to meet the increasing demand for food banks' services.
“We have a big food drive going on at Superstore,” Little said. “On Saturday, June 1st, there will be groceries at the registers for people to purchase. We will be accepting donations on-site to keep our shelves stocked here.”
What is rarely explained is that food drives help food banks get through the summer, when supplies are at their lowest.
“There’s a lean period during that season, so I’m hoping this will keep me really stocked up and full until the fall.”
