THE FORT SASKATCHEWAN FOOD GATHERERS SOCIETY

THE SOCIETY OPERATES A FOOD BANK THAT IS STAFFED BY 130 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE SOCIETY’S PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE SHORT TERM SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD ASSISTANCE ADDRESSING THE FOOD INSECURITY NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS. PEOPLE CAN SELF REFER OR THEY ARE REFERRED FROM SOCIAL SERVICES CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN COMMUNITY SERVICES CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. WE EXIST TO PROVIDE FOOD SUPPORT IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY AND STRESS. THE FOOD BANK IS OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK WITH TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS AS HAMPER DAYS. CLIENTS MAY PICK UP A HAMPER EVERY 3 WEEKS AFTER COMPLETING REGISTRATION. HAMPERS ARE FILLED WITH STAPLE NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND INCLUDE MEAT FRESH FRUITS VEGETABLES AND DAIRY. MENUS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY WITH RESPECT TO WHAT IS GIVEN OUT. THE SHOPPING DAY PROGRAM IS A CLIENT-CHOICE MODEL DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT THE HAMPER PROGRAM AND OFFERS ADDITIONAL FOOD PERSONAL CARE ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLDS GOODS SUCH AS CLEANING AND LAUNDRY SUPPLIES. THE SOCIETY IS THE PRIMARY CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE PROVIDER WITHIN THE CITY OPERATING THE CHRISTMAS HAMPER CAMPAIGN THAT PROVIDES HOLIDAY FOOD HAMPERS AND TOYS TO THOSE IN NEED. THE SOCIETY PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL SCHOOLS THROUGH OUR SCHOOL SNACK PROGRAM PROVIDING HEALTHY SNACKS FOR CHILDREN GOING TO SCHOOL HUNGRY. THE SOCIETY WORKS WITH MULTIPLE LOCAL AGENCIES ADDRESSING POVERTY RELATED ISSUES AND SHARES RESOURCES EXCESS FOOD AND SUPPLIES.