As summer unfolds in Moose Jaw, the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is sounding an urgent call to action. With the launch of its Summer Campaign, running now through the end of August, the organization is aiming to raise $100,000 to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during the warmest months of the year.
“I never thought I’d need a food bank.” These are words the staff at the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank hear almost every day. The faces behind these words are not strangers—they are our neighbours, co-workers, friends, and family members. They are seniors living on fixed incomes, parents raising children, individuals facing health challenges, and even those working full-time jobs who still find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
The reality is stark: over the past five years, demand for food assistance in Moose Jaw has grown dramatically. Today, the Food Bank supports more than 1,200 visits every month, with over one-third of those served being children. Saskatchewan, our home province, has the highest rate of food insecurity in Canada. Many who seek help never imagined they would need it, but rising costs for rent, utilities, and groceries, combined with unexpected life events, have left them with impossible choices.
Consider the story of a local father who recently visited the Food Bank for the first time. Despite working full-time and doing everything he could to provide for his four children, he found himself unable to put food on the table after paying essential bills. Overwhelmed and worried about what his children would think, he turned to the Food Bank as a last resort. His story is not unique, but it is a powerful reminder that food insecurity can affect anyone.
Behind every statistic is a real person facing a real struggle.
The Food Bank’s mission is to ensure that no one in Moose Jaw has to face hunger alone. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference. For example, a $50 gift helps provide essential groceries for a family, while $100 can supply milk and dairy products. Larger donations help stock shelves with nutritious food and support the Food Bank’s overall operations.
The Summer Campaign is a community-wide effort. Donations can be made online at www.mjfoodbank.org, by mail, or in person at 270 Fairford St. W. Monthly giving options are also available, providing reliable support throughout the year. Every dollar stays local, directly supporting individuals and families in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area. Your generosity ensures that children, families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship have access to the food they need when they need it most.
By Joan Ritchie
Moose Jaw Express
