The 2022 I Bought a Lunch campaign to help Hunger in Moose Jaw feed lower-income schoolchildren runs from Oct. 14 to Nov. 25, with an increased goal this year of $75,000.
The campaign launched at the Moose Jaw Co-op on Friday, Oct. 14. Hunger in Moose Jaw invites Moose Javians to come down, visit, and make a donation. Every donation made on the 14th will be entered into a draw to win a lunch basket.
"Being a part of this annual campaign is important to us," said Michaela Turner, Moose Jaw Co-op Manager of Marketing and Community Relations. "We have a great relationship with Hunger in Moose Jaw and the work that they do is so meaningful for our community."
"With increased need and rising food costs, our lunch costs have doubled this year," said Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw. "In the past, we've seen the generosity of Moose Jaw's citizens and business community and Hunger in Moose Jaw is asking that they come along again to support this mission."
The $50,000 goal of the I Bought a Lunch campaign was sufficient for over a decade. Sept said this is the first time in 12 years that she's been forced to raise the organization's target. Rising costs are an increasingly grim reality, particularly for lower-income families.
"This year, approximately 350 children are being provided with a daily lunch in a Moose Jaw school," Sept said. "Each lunch is nutritionally balanced and our talented staff creates these fresh-made lunches daily. Each contains a sandwich, fruit, veg, and snack as well as a (dairy) product ... .We are estimating (we will serve) 70,000-plus lunches."
Hunger in Moose Jaw supports children at school with the full bellies they need to focus on their learning. Sept said that the urgency tends to grow through the year. She anticipates that by January, Hunger in Moose Jaw will be serving over 400 daily lunches.
All donations over $10 will receive a charitable receipt.
The Moose Jaw Co-op, TD Bank, CIBC, and Conexus Credit Union will all be collecting donations on behalf of Hunger in Moose Jaw. Businesses interested in helping to collect donations should contact Sept using one of the methods below.
Hunger in Moose Jaw board member Brad Leidal helped start the campaign at the Moose Jaw Co-op.
"This is a very worthwhile campaign. I have the time, so I'm happy to be here," Leidal said. "I hope everybody in Moose Jaw is able to contribute something."
Other ways to donate to the campaign include:
- At Hunger in Moose Jaw's office at 269 Stadacona Street West
- E-transfer to hunger.moosejaw@sasktel.net
- By credit card over the phone at 306-692-1916
- Mail-in cheque
