Food Bank Starts Fundraiser For New Home

When the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank was started 35 years ago it was seen as a temporary measure to help people who were down on their luck have access to food.

But then just over five years later the Food Bank moved to its present Fairford Street West location - a location where it has been for close to 30 years.

After almost 30 years in their presently rented Fairford Street location ever growing need has the Food Bank looking for more and accessible space.

And this time instead of renting the Food Bank would like to purchase its new home.

“People coming have to climb a flight of stairs and it’s not accessible to people with walkers or using wheelchairs. We also are out of space at our present location,” says Deann Little development manager at the Food Bank.

Stairs which people must navigate to pick up their food hampers - MJ Independent photo

The COVID - 19 pandemic has had a major impact on the Food Bank's operations.

Clients can no longer pick up their food hampers in the lobby but they first must phone and make arrangements.

Then at the appointed time they go to the east side of the building where they give their number to a volunteer at an open window.

Followed by going to the loading dock area where the food is slid out to them.

“Its how we maintain the two metre social distancing,” Little said.

Deann Little shows how small the lonbh to pick up baskets - MJ Independent photo

To make the Food Bank easier to access and fill the growing need they have launched a campaign to fundraise $100,000 by the end of Summer to help make the move into a new home.

The new home would see the Food Bank move to a new ore centralized location to better serve those in need.

Asked if raising $100,000 due to the economic effects of the COVID - 19 pandemic Little said she had hopes it was possible.

“I think it is achievable,” she said.

Asked about a public statement by Ralph Howes at the meeting which organized Hunger in Moose Jaw that it along with the Food Bank would hopefully no longer be needed within five years Little said unfortunately the demand has not shrank but grown. Especially over the last few years because of the economics and loss of jobs in the oil patch.

“It just shows the need is out there still and continues to grow. It is greatly need.”

The need has grown by 25 percent over the last few years with 37 percent of the clients being children.

The Food Bank gives out 403 hampers on some months with the largest number being 451 hampers in August 2019.

“I don’t know the reason why for sure the large need last August but my guess is back to school supplies. For larger families that can run into hundreds of dollars,” Little said.

There are three ways to help out the campaign -

etransfer: endhunger@mjfoodbank.org

Online: www.mjfoodbamk.org

Cheques can be mailed to : 305 Fairford St W