MOOSE JAW — When it comes to supporting the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, financial donations pack more power than most realize.
Thanks to bulk-purchasing programs and supplier partnerships, a single $15 donation can often be stretched to buy $30 or $40 worth of groceries. That extra buying power is helping the food bank deliver fresh produce, dairy, meat, and culturally relevant food to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the city.
“We have bulk buying power through our local grocers,” said Jason Moore, executive director of Moose Jaw’s food bank. “It gives us the ability to fill in the gaps in our inventory and buy the fresh items we don’t normally receive through donations.”
The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is one of many across the country that benefits from national initiatives like Food Banks Canada’s Marketplace program, which connects local agencies to wholesale distributors at significantly reduced rates. In many cases, food banks can save 25 to 50 per cent on essential items, including perishable goods that rarely come in through traditional food drives.
Fresh produce, in particular, is a critical gap the food bank works to address through its Harvest Pantry Program.
“Canned goods and non-perishables are still appreciated,” Moore noted, “but they’re not enough on their own. Bulk purchasing lets us provide fruits, vegetables, and dairy — the things that bring real nutritional value to the families we support.”
Another major benefit of monetary donations is the ability to purchase culturally appropriate foods. Many long-time residents who donate are unaware that items like lentils, halal products, or specific spice blends are in high demand but rarely received. Many residents also don’t typically purchase these items, so they seldom have extras to give.
“Culturally appropriate items are often scarce,” Moore said. “Having cash on hand means we can ensure all families in our community feel seen and supported with food that suits their needs.”
The importance of cash-based giving is something the food bank is aiming to educate the public on, particularly as demand grows and inventory needs become more specialized.
“It also reduces waste and storage challenges,” Moore added. “Perishable items can be bought as needed to ensure freshness, and we’re not left with a surplus of one item while running out of others.”
While events like the upcoming Zumba for a Cause: Move for Meals fundraiser on Aug. 2 provide fun and creative ways to raise funding and awareness, Moore said community members and businesses are always welcome to get involved in other ways.
“If there’s a gym, business, or organization that wants to do a fundraiser for us, we’d love to partner with them,” he said. Whether it’s a cheque, an e-transfer, or the proceeds from a community fundraising initiative, Moore said every dollar counts.
For more information or to help out, visit MJFoodBank.org, email [email protected], or call 306-692-2911. The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is located at 270 Fairford Street West.
