Local organizations 211 Saskatchewan and the Food Banks of Saskatchewan have more in common than you might think—they’re both creating vital safety nets for local communities, each connecting Saskatchewan residents with the resources they need, when they need them most.
“Through our sponsorship, we’re ensuring that vital services and support like those provided by 211 Saskatchewan and Food Banks of Saskatchewan can help the people of the province,” says Kelly Wilson, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “These organizations are helping to build communities that are stronger and more resilient, and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Support from Saskatchewan Blue Cross contributes to many Saskatchewan residents receiving help and connection to local services. It will also support 211 Saskatchewan and Food Banks of Saskatchewan as they work to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the province.
What is 211 Saskatchewan?
Finding the right resources and support when you need them most can feel overwhelming. 211 Saskatchewan is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals and families with vital resources in their community and offers a database of over 6,000 community, social, non-clinical health and government services across the province.
211 is on a mission to strengthen communities by effectively connecting people with appropriate information and services whether you need help navigating support for an aging parent, access to childcare or assistance with basic needs such as food and shelter. Call or text 211 to be connected with service navigators ready to help 24/7 all year round, or search independently at sk.211.ca. Help is available over the phone in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages.
“211 acts as the front door to support, helping people navigate an often complex network of services and programs to find what they need for their unique situation. A key role for 211 is helping alleviate the challenge of determining which services are available and appropriate to meet various needs,” says Kristin Nelson, director of 211 Saskatchewan, United Way Regina, and United Way of Saskatoon and Area.
In addition to connecting people to services and information, 211 collects valuable data that can assist in determining the most common needs in the province, as well as where needs are unmet because gaps in services may exist.
Province-wide support through Food Banks of Saskatchewan
One of the vital and basic needs across the province is access to food. Food insecurity has a significant impact on maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. Adults and children who are food insecure are likely to have poorer health, and adults are more vulnerable to chronic conditions. Food insecurity also makes it difficult for individuals to manage existing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. Food-insecure individuals may also need to forego other critical expenses, such as medication, due to scarce resources.
Enter Food Banks of Saskatchewan, an organization that fights hunger across the province by working to build, support and strengthen relationships in the community to better serve and advocate on behalf of hungry and food-insecure people.
Donations received are distributed to the 36 registered food banks across the province. Funds are used to purchase and distribute the most urgently needed items quickly with bulk purchasing power, alongside the delivery of education programs.
Advocating on behalf of food banks, Food Banks of Saskatchewan creates partnerships with local food distributors to secure long-term donations, encourages local connections with businesses and community for support, and initiates fundraising opportunities.
