News - Food Banks of Saskatchewan

Nutrien’s Year-End Fundraising Campaign For The Food Banks Of Saskatchewan Hit Goal

January 20, 2021

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBSK) are starting 2022 by thanking Nutrien and the many generous donors across the province for the response to its Feeding Holiday Cheer campaign. The campaign launched on Giving Tuesday (November 30, 2021) with a lead donation of $250,000 from Nutrien. FBSK and the 36 individual food banks collectively raised over $2.5M.

“This year the generous people of Saskatchewan came together to support their neighbors and community members who needed it most. The food banks continue to do tremendous work across the province and Nutrien is proud to provide continuous support to this campaign.” says Candace Laing, Vice President, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, Nutrien.

“On behalf of the 36 food banks across Saskatchewan, I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every donor who joined Nutrien in making a donation during the holiday season,” says Michael Kincade, FBSK Executive Director. “Year after year Saskatchewan residents come together to support their neighbours and communities with food insecurities.”

Donations received are distributed to the 36 registered food banks across the province unless a donor has directed their donation to a specific community. Saskatchewan’s food banks have responded to the changing needs of folks in their communities during the pandemic and will continue to support those who need their services. It is expected that there will be an increase in people using food banks in the months ahead.

Nutrien has donated over $8.25M in financial support, plus employee volunteer time, since 2010 to FBSK.

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SUN is proud to donate $50,000 to the Food Banks of Sask

“Food prices have gone through the roof & as registered nurses, we see the effects of hunger firsthand,”

Please give what you can.

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2339309&binId=1.1167267&playlistPageNum=1

Nutrien Provides $250,000 Lead Gift For The Food Banks Of Saskatchewan’s Feeding Holiday Cheer Campaign

November 30, 2021

This holiday season, Nutrien is leading off the Food Banks of Saskatchewan’s holiday campaign with a cash donation of $250,000. The campaign titled Feeding Holiday Cheer starts today (Giving Tuesday) and runs through December 31, 2021.

Donations received during the campaign will be distributed to 36 food banks across the province and donors can designate their donation directly to one of the registered food banks.

Michael Kincade, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan, says “The Feeding Holiday Cheer campaign has a goal to raise $1M to address food insecurity during the holidays and into 2022. Saskatchewan people really care about their neighbours and I anticipate that we will have another successful holiday campaign, in large part thanks to Nutrien’s support.”

Candace Laing, Vice President Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations at Nutrien says “We are proud to partner with the Food Banks of Saskatchewan at this critical time of year. Given Nutrien’s global role in providing solutions to grow healthy and nutritious food, we strongly believe in the importance of reducing hunger for those most in need. As the lead donor to the Feeding Holiday Cheer campaign, we invite everyone in Saskatchewan who can, to join us in giving generously to their local food bank.”

Saskatchewan’s food banks have responded to the changing needs of folks in their communities during the pandemic and will continue to support those who need their services. It is expected that there will be an increase in people using food banks in the months ahead.

Contributions to the Feeding Holiday Cheer campaign can be made at www.skfoodbanks.ca.

Nutrien employees lent a helping hand at the Regina Food Bank this morning to kick off the campaign and honour Giving Tuesday, a global day for generosity. Nutrien has donated over $8.25M since 2010 to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

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Food Banks of Saskatchewan Hires New Executive Director

August 3, 2021

The Board of Directors of Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBSK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Kincade to the position of Executive Director.

Michael has served diligently as the organization’s Administrative Director since 2019. An experienced Executive Director, Michael led the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation for several years prior to his time with FBSK. His easygoing nature, dedication to collaboration, and passion for community make him an excellent fit as Food Banks of Saskatchewan further defines its role and purpose with communities throughout Saskatchewan.

Laurie O’Connor, Board Chair, Food Banks of Saskatchewan states, “The addition of a dedicated position will ensure the provincial association is posed to support 36 member food banks. The board is excited to work with Michael to strengthen the organization.”

Viterra Provides $100,000 Matching Gift to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan

June 1, 2021

Supporters Asked to Donate During the Month of June to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan for Matching Dollars from Viterra

People donating to help individuals of all ages who are served by Food Banks of Saskatchewan generate greater benefits during June’s ‘Grow Your Donation with Viterra’ campaign. To welcome spring, Viterra is matching all financial donations up to $100,000.

“With Viterra’s matching dollars, Food Banks of Saskatchewan will receive double the funds to purchase and distribute safe and nutritious food, as well as deliver education programs and services,” says Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan. O’Connor continues, “Food banks throughout the province are thankful for Viterra’s support as Saskatchewan looks forward to a season of new growth.”

Donations received during the Grow Your Donation with Viterra campaign will be distributed to 36 food banks across Saskatchewan. Donors also have the ability to direct their donation directly to one of the registered food banks.

“At Viterra, we help farmers feed the world, but we feel it’s just as important to help feed people in our communities,” said Kyle Jeworski, CEO of Viterra North America. “That’s why we’re proud to partner as exclusive corporate donor in this important campaign, and help our food banks fight hunger across the province. We invite everyone who can, to join us in giving generously to meet our $100,000 goal.”

Contributions to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan Grow Your Donation with Viterra campaign can be made through: https://skfoodbanks.ca

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Laurie O’Connor

E: laurie.o@saskatoonfoodbank.org

Ph: (306) 664-6565

Peter Flengeris

E: peter.flengeris@viterra.com

Ph: (306) 569-4810

About the Food Banks of Saskatchewan

Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBS) is the provincial association of food banks working together to build, support and strengthen relationships with the community to better serve and advocate on behalf of hungry and food insecure people across Saskatchewan. FBS serves approximately 40,000 people per month, 42% of them children, through foods banks reaching every part of the province https://skfoodbanks.ca/find-a-food-bank/ . The seven largest food banks are in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Battlefords, Moose Jaw, Lac La Ronge and Rosthern.

To learn more about how you can help, please visit https://skfoodbanks.ca/ Follow us on Facebook (Food Banks of Saskatchewan) Twitter (@FoodBanksSask) and Instagram (@skfoodbanks).

For additional information or to discuss a major gift contribution, contact: kathleen@dcgsk.com

About Viterra

At Viterra, we believe in the power of connection. Our world-leading, fully integrated agriculture network connects producers to consumers with sustainable, traceable and quality-controlled agricultural products. With more than 17,500 talented employees operating in 37 countries, our strategic network of storage, processing and transport assets enable us to offer innovative solutions and open pathways for our customers, creating successful partnerships that last. Together, we are stronger, and achieve more.

Over $3M Raised During Year-End Fundraising For The Food Banks of Saskatchewan

January 26, 2021

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan ended 2020 on an optimistic note thanks to the generous response to its Home for the Holidays campaign. The campaign launched November 23, 2020 with a lead donation of $250,000 from Nutrien. The food banks of Saskatchewan collectively raised more than $3M.

“We are happy that we can support the communities where we live and operate in this way. We have seen first-hand the important work the food banks do. Saskatchewan people showed up to support this campaign and we extend our thanks to everyone who joined Nutrien in making a donation,” says Candace Laing, Vice President, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, Nutrien.

“We want to extend our biggest thanks to Nutrien for providing crucial support over the holidays. On behalf of all of the food banks, thank you to every donor who joined Nutrien in making a financial gift. These donations ensured everyone in our province had safe and nutritious food over the holidays and positions the food banks to be able to respond to demand in the months ahead, ” says Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director, Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

Donations received are distributed to the 36 registered food banks across the province, unless a donor has directed their donation to a specific community. In addition to food, the food banks are using funds to purchase critical PPE for staff and volunteers as well as managing food distribution in new ways to adhere to safe distancing guidelines.

Nutrien has donated over $8M since 2010 to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan including a $100,000 gift earlier this year towards the Crisis Response Fund.

A major donation of $250,000 was also made by the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses early on in the campaign, adding to their $55,000 donation made in the spring of 2020.

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan extend their deepest gratitude to all donors for their support over the holidays. Watch a campaign wrap-up video here: https://youtu.be/sZcQn8d-Q4U

Food Banks of Saskatchewan Newsletter: January 2021

PDF Version: Food Banks of SK Newsletter January 2021

Food Banks of Saskatchewan Newsletter: November 2020

PDF Version: Food Banks of SK Newsletter November 2020

Nutrien Provides $250,000 Lead Gift for the Food Banks of Saskatchewan’s Home for the Holidays Campaign

November 23, 2020

This holiday season, Nutrien is leading off the Food Banks of Saskatchewan’s holiday campaign with a cash donation of $250,000. The campaign, titled ‘Home for the Holidays’, starts today and runs through December 31, 2020.

Donations received during the campaign will be distributed to 36 food banks across the province and donors have the ability to designate their donation directly to one of the registered food banks.

Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan, says “The Home for the Holidays campaign recognizes that this season will look different for most of us this year and encourages people to make a donation in lieu of one of the ‘regular’ holiday activities you may have to miss. The amount you might normally spend on an evening out enjoying a seasonal concert with friends, could provide a family with a complete hamper for the holidays.”

Mark Thompson, Nutrien Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Development & Strategy Officer, says “At Nutrien we recognize the importance of ensuring food security both locally and globally, especially given the challenges that COVID-19 has posed in our communities. We’re proud to partner with the Food Banks of Saskatchewan to ensure that every family has food on the table this holiday season. As lead donor for the Home for the Holidays campaign, we invite everyone in Saskatchewan who can, to join us in giving generously to their local food bank once again this year.”

Saskatchewan’s food banks have responded to the changing needs of folks in their communities during the pandemic and will continue to support those who need their services.

Nutrien has donated over $7.5M since 2010 to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan including a $100,000 gift earlier this year towards the Crisis Response Fund.

To donate today please visit: www.skfoodbanks.ca

MEDIA CONTACT:

Laurie O’Connor

Executive Director, Food Banks of Saskatchewan

laurie.o@saskatoonfoodbank.org

(306) 664-6565

PDF Version: November 23 Media Release

Food Banks of Saskatchewan Newsletter: October 2020

PDF Version: Food Banks of SK Newsletter October 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT: $300,000 ANONYMOUS GIFT

A Saskatchewan individual (who wishes to remain anonymous) has made a generous donation of $200,000 in addition to a $100,000 donation earlier this year to address food insecurity through Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

The donor has chosen to direct the latest contribution to the two largest food banks in the province: Regina Food Bank and Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre. This gift was made through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, which serves as a bridge between donors and charities in Regina and southern SK.

“They have chosen to give to the food banks because they know this time is difficult for many and food is a necessity that can provide hope, energy, positive mental health and comfort for a better tomorrow. They hope this gift inspires others in Saskatchewan to give if they can too,” says Donna Ziegler, Executive Director of South Saskatchewan Community Foundation.

“2020 has been a difficult year for many in our community and we will put these dollars to work to ensure a food secure community,” Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre Executive Director Laurie O’Connor on the donation.

Regina Food Bank has seen an increase in usage since the pandemic started, serving approximately 500 clients every day. “We are incredibly touched by this gift. The fall is typically a time when our food bank sees a spike in usage and we expect this year will be no different. This gift will have a profound impact on our ability to serve,” says John Bailey, CEO of Regina Food Bank.

Thank you VERY much to this extremely generous, anonymous donor!

Feeding Saskatchewan Together: Saskatchewan Construction, Mining and Supply industries join Nutrien to support Food Banks of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, May 25, 2020 – In partnership with Nutrien, members of the construction, mining and supply industries have come together to support the Food Banks of Saskatchewan during these challenging economic times. Together, these organizations have quite literally built this province; from the roads and buildings to the mines that employ thousands of our neighbours and provide resources to the world. This week, the Feeding Saskatchewan Together Campaign will be raising funds to support the Food Banks of Saskatchewan. The campaign will launch with an initial collective contribution of over $300,000 including a $100,000 leadership donation from Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd., which will be matched with an additional $100,000 donation from Nutrien. Participating organizations include members of the Saskatchewan Construction Association (SCA), the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA), Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) and Merit Contractors Association.

The 32 Food Banks across Saskatchewan are on the front lines working to support the most economically vulnerable during this crisis. On average, the cost to supply food to those in need across Saskatchewan is estimated to be $1 million a month. “The support we are seeing from organizations and individuals across the province is remarkable and will make an incredible impact on those that we serve”, said Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

There isn’t a construction or mining project in our province that doesn’t require collaboration from multiple companies and suppliers, so it’s only natural to see these organizations come together to support families in need across our province. “Saskatchewan has been our home – where we’ve lived and worked – for generations. We have been fortunate to continue working during these extraordinary times and look at this as one way we can help take care of each other to support those who are struggling. Together we are building today for tomorrow” said Mary Panteluk, of Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd.

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan launched the Covid-19 Crisis Response Fund in early April with the goal of raising $6M to support the needs of the community over the coming six months. Shocking to many, 40% of distributed food supplies are going to support children.

“Saskatchewan is our home and we need to work together to ensure our communities are well fed and cared for through this crisis. We are proud to join forces with our industry partners and hope others are able to join us in supporting our food banks, “said Candace Laing, Nutrien’s Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations.

The Crisis Response Fund has seen generous, unprecedented support from across the province. To make your contribution to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan Crisis Response Fund, please visit, www.skfoodbanks.ca. For more information on how your organization can support, please contact, info@dcgsk.com.

Food Banks of Saskatchewan Newsletter: May 2020

PDF Version: Food Banks of SK Newsletter May 2020

Food Banks of Saskatchewan Launches Province-Wide Crisis Response Fund

Unprecedented demand expected at Saskatchewan’s 32 food banks due to the COVID-19 crisis

April 2, 2020

Saskatchewan – April 2, 2020 – Saskatchewan’s urban and rural communities are facing a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetime.

With an escalating demand for food from families across the province, the 32 Food Banks across Saskatchewan are in desperate need of financial support. Today, Food Banks of Saskatchewan is launching a $6M province-wide campaign to ensure that families are not left hungry over the coming six months. Donations can be made at: www.skfoodbanks.ca

In an average month the 32 Food Banks across our province support approximately 40,000 residents, a number that will skyrocket as our most economically vulnerable families experience layoffs due to COVID-19.

Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre summarized the situation as, “a crisis unlike any we have ever experienced. As we witnessed in the recession in 2008, food banks were hard pressed to meet demand. We anticipate that the economic impact of COVID-19 will see thousands of people visiting us who never imagined they would be forced to rely on a food bank to survive.”

$100 WILL FEED TWO FAMILIES FOR A WEEK

Tens of thousands of Saskatchewan residents will be out of work due to this crisis. At the same time, food donations are decreasing as people make fewer trips to the supermarket and are more focused on securing food supplies for their own family. Financial donations from the community will make an immediate difference. A $100 donation will feed two families for a week, $400 will put food on the plates of eight families.

The need for social distancing has also decreased volunteer staffing levels and is requiring Food Bank teams to establish alternative distribution methods to minimize social contact. Local Food Bank teams are also ramping up the creation of To-Go boxes for quick food hamper pick up.

John Bailey, CEO of Regina Food Bank has been working around the clock to source food and ramp up logistics in the face of the COVID-19 crisis; “Economic pressures will lead to a surge in demand on our food bank unlike anything our community has experienced before. Hundreds of thousands of meals worth of food will be delivered to people, many of whom will never have considered that they would need to rely on a food bank. We will have to change the way we operate to meet the needs of our community, and we need the support of our community to make it happen.”

Saskatchewan has a culture of giving, through volunteerism and financial support of causes that positively impact our communities. Laurie O’Connor has seen this first-hand, “If there is one thing I have learned in my time at the food bank, it is that the generous spirit of the people of Saskatchewan is never more apparent than when the chips are down. And right now, we fear it’s just the beginning. “

Contributions to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan Crisis Response fund can be made at: www.skfoodbanks.ca

Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBS) is the provincial association of food banks working together to build, support and strengthen relationships with the community to better serve and advocate on behalf of hungry and food insecure people across Saskatchewan. In 2019, FBS served approximately 40,000 people per month, 42% of them children, through foods banks reaching every part of the province https://skfoodbanks.ca/find-a-food-bank/ . The seven largest food banks are in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Battlefords, Moose Jaw, Lac La Ronge and Rosthern. Food banks in Saskatoon and Regina provide the infrastructure for the provincial association.

For Additional Information or to discuss a major gift contribution:

Contact: Info@dcgsk.com