MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw Co-op is challenging other grocery stores in the community to donate whatever they can to support the food bank, which announced last month that it was facing food shortages.
“Taking care of our community is caring for its people. And sometimes, everyone needs a little help,” the Co-op said in a news release.
So, to ensure that vulnerable people in the Moose Jaw area have access to a meal, Federated Co-operative Limited and Moose Jaw Co-op are each donating $5,000 to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank.
“Our community relies on the strength of organizations like the food bank, especially when shortages arise, and we’re stepping up to help support them in their time of need,” the news release continued.
Since the Co-op can’t handle this situation alone, it is putting out a “food store challenge” to Moose Jaw grocery businesses —the Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway, Walmart and South Hill Fine Foods — and inviting them to join it in donating what they can.
“Together, we can all make a difference,” the Co-op added. “Spread the word and let’s rally together to support those who need it most.”
Jason Moore, executive director of the food bank, commended the Co-op for supporting the food-based non-profit.
“Co-op has been a huge supporter of us — all of our local grocers have,” Moore told the Express. “Co-op stepped forward, and I know that (general manager) Geoff Anderson has been really concerned about how we’re doing, as he’s a huge supporter of the community.”
The $10,000 that the local and provincial Co-ops contributed helped kickstart the food bank’s drive to raise $150,000, while other businesses have reached out and said they would donate what they could, the executive director continued.
For example, WOW Factor Media is collecting pledges as part of a 24-hour fast. Moore noted that the business would soon announce how much money it raised but didn’t want to spoil that surprise.
“(Former CEO) Joel (Pinel) reached out to me … with some information and I was absolutely floored by it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the food bank continues to receive significant support from the community after announcing in mid-July that it might have to reduce hampers from two to one per month — and temporarily close — because it was running out of food.
Since that plea, the organization has received $86,000 in financial donations, which is more than halfway to the $150,000 goal.
“In such a short period of time, I am absolutely floored by the community’s response, (but) not surprised that our community responded in the way they do,” Moore said. “Moose Jaw is known for its generosity and coming together. (However), I am a little surprised at how quickly things unfolded … .”
This support means it will be “business as usual” at the food bank, which will continue to provide clients with two hampers a month. However, one big change that will proceed — as previously announced — is, starting in October, clients can shop for the food they want.
The food bank serves 800 households a month in Moose Jaw and area, which is double from two years ago, Moore said. Unfortunately, donations did not increase in a similar way to accommodate the extra clients.
Food Banks of Saskatchewan and Food Banks Canada provided 21 pallets of food to Moose Jaw, which, while sounding impressive, would only last for a month, he continued. So, while the organization graciously accepts food donations, it would prefer money because it can stretch those dollars further than individuals can.
Moore added that the food bank is grateful for residents’ support, while he feels blessed to be part of the community.
