Food banks in Regina, Saskatoon get million-dollar boost from K+S

Two of the busiest food banks in Saskatchewan got a big boost on Wednesday from K+S Potash Canada.

The mining giant donated $1 million to improve food security in Saskatchewan, with the money split evenly between the Saskatoon and Regina food banks.

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In Saskatoon, the funds will support the food bank’s nutritional education program and a learning space in the bank’s new facility.

“The purpose-built facility will allow us to better address hunger and poverty for the up to 23,000 people turning to us each month, 41% of which are children,” Laurie O’Connor, the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre’s executive director, said in a statement.

In Regina, the funds will be used for a new play structure next to the Asahtowikamik Food Hub in the city’s downtown, and will also support youth school food programs in nine community schools.

David Froh with the Regina Food Bank said he’s grateful for the support from K+S, which shares the food bank’s commitment to helping those in need.

“Their support will cement our ability to feed over 2,000 children in nine community schools for years to come and enrich the core of our city with a play structure and more heart,” Froh said in a statement.

Sam Farris, president of K+S Potash Canada, said the company has always been focused on helping the communities where it operates.

“We prioritize giving back to the communities near where we live and operate, and we take pride in supporting initiatives that create meaningful, positive impacts,” Farris said in a statement.

“By contributing to these new facilities, we’re investing in the future and ensuring that young people and their families have accessible resources close to home.”