The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank and Real Canadian Superstore are teaming up this Christmas to support area families, a necessary partnership since national food bank usage has increased 20 per cent since 2019.
Loblaw Companies Limited — which includes Superstores, YIG West, No Frills, Wholesale Club and Extra Foods — launched its annual Christmas Food Drive on Dec. 1 and will collect items until Dec. 24. Residents can give food, toiletries or monetary donations while grocery shopping and help support fellow Moose Javians.
“It’s always a joy to help out the community. We want to be involved as much as possible,” said Superstore manager Lesslie Ross. “It’s our company’s mission to feed everyone.”
Customers who shop at Superstore are usually generous with their money and support most fundraisers that the store holds, Ross added. He has noticed this generosity since he became store manager almost two years ago.
Deann Little, client resources representative with the food bank, thought it was fantastic to team up with Superstore again during the Christmas season.
“It’s great when local grocery stores step up and give generously, (because) then those who are less fortunate won’t go without,” she said.
“The need for local food banks is on the rise and needed now more than ever. The cost of food and utilities continue to rise, therefore, putting more of a burden on individuals and families, especially during the holidays.”
According to Food Banks Canada, since the pandemic began, food bank visits have increased by 20 per cent nationally. This rivals the 2008 recession when it comes to food insecurity.
In Saskatchewan, single adult households represent 24.1 per cent of households accessing food banks. Children make up 39.8 per cent of this province’s food bank visits, the data shows, while seniors make up 4.8 per cent of visits.
Little agreed that the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank’s client numbers have increased during the past couple of years. Not only does this include Moose Jaw residents, but it also includes people from places such as Caronport, Craik, Chamberlain, Chaplin, Central Butte and Assiniboia.
The charity gives out roughly 400 hampers per month, while it distributes 900 pounds to 1,500 pounds of food per day.
Many people who come to the food bank could be considered the working poor, she said. Previously, households could survive with the father working, but now both parents are working and still struggling to put food on the table.
“We are (also) seeing an increase in seniors accessing the food bank. The pensions they have are not stretching as far anymore with the increase of prices of gas, utilities, whatever it may be,” Little continued.
That is why, she pointed out, when people donate to the food bank — through Superstore’s Christmas campaign, for example — the non-profit organization can supply people with food. Residents, in turn, can put their money toward other household bills.
Particular food that the charity requires includes Kraft Dinner, canned fruits and vegetables, pork and beans, Hamburger helper, cereal and kids’ snacks. The latter items will help Little restart the Mighty Munchies food program.
Besides food, the non-profit organization accepts toiletries, Ziplock bags, and feminine hygiene products. It will also accept perishable food, but residents should deliver it directly to the food bank building at 270 Fairford Street West.
Anyone interested in donating money can visit mjfoodbank.org.
