|
The Food Bank
 An amazing donation of 25 acres of land and 6 buildings by Independent‘s Choice Distribution, a locally owned and independent food wholesale business in Regina, made it possible for the food bank to move into a new facility and ushered in a new era for the food bank. The largest building use to house Dairy Producer’s milk production and creamery facility and features huge freezers and coolers for cold storage.
The City of Regina provided significant support as well. The food bank was allowed to sell the city owned property it had occupied and keep the profits for use in redevelopment of the new facility
In its new and innovative structure the food bank is able to collect, sort and redistribute donations of food and household goods with greater efficiency and ease. The new Food Bank
- Is a more efficient facility allowing for improved food handling practices and safe food storage.
- Will improve accessibility and efficiency to the hundreds of families who come each day to the Food Bank.
- Meets a growing need in the community to provide emergency and supplementary food.
- Supports community-based organizations that work in partnership to deliver compatible and complementary programs to assist those who live in poverty.
- Facilitates the delivery of a multi-dimensional holistic approach to those in need including education, health awareness and life skills training.
- Provides for, and operates with, a sustainable resource base to ensure the ongoing operations of the Food Bank and viability of the organization for years to come.
- Works in close partnership with government and community partners to achieve our vision and fulfill the Food Bank's mandate.
- Allows for the highest standards of food handling.
 Food handling is not the only improvement. Freezer capacity is triple what it was at the previous location, there is also an additional cooler space, a professional-quality food preparation area and a storage warehouse designed specifically for food storage.
The area served by the Food bank covers the entire city of Regina and more than 80 surrounding rural communities. The Food Bank works in close partnership with more than 150 community-based organizations and churches throughout Regina.
The Food Bank serves 11,000 people each month -1/2 of whom are children. 200 families receive food hampers everyday. Unfortunately due to the increasing demand for food, families are allowed one hamper every 14 days.
Under the leadership of Wayne Hellquist, the food bank will continue to expand the types of services it offers to the community. Today, it provides food hampers, recycling services, clothing, furniture and appliances. Future expansion plans could include an on site medical clinic and a modest grocery store for the food bank clients. Many of the clients don’t have a family doctor and the grocery store would focus on fruit, milk and eggs which would complement the food in the hampers.
For more information visit www.reginafoodbank.ca
|
