Prairie People have a proud history of feeding the world and taking care of their neighbours. We are also accustomed to building great things and turning challenges into opportunities. Today, in the face of record food insecurity BMO is investing to create a healthier Regina and make this groundbreaking space, Canada's first purpose-built, state-of-the-art choice model food bank facility. It represents the country's premier realization of an innovative food bank model, setting a new standard in addressing food insecurity.
Thanks to a $1M investment the BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub will open to our clients on August 16th.
At 1881 Broad Street, the BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub will provide programming and diverse food choices to empower our neighbours. The Hub will look and feel like a grocery store to reduce stigma. The food will still be free, but for the first time in 40 years clients will choose the food that their family needs.
The Food Hub will improve access to food, give food bank users the dignity to choose what goes in their cart, and provide more Saskatchewan-sourced food to feed more than 17,000 people per month. The Hub will also provide nutritional and financial literacy, as well as Indigenous-led food sovereignty programming.
ASAHTOWIKAMIK is the Cree meaning for a “feeding lodge”. The name was gifted through ceremony by elder Murray Ironchild of Piapot First Nation to the Regina Food Bank for their new location. ASAHTOWIKAMIK tells us that when we eat and share a meal, we feed ourselves, our relations, and our community.
“BMO is proud to support Canada’s first at-scale choice model food bank here in Regina,” said June Zimmer, Regional President, Western Canada, BMO Private Wealth. “This donation is making a difference in our community by providing more options and greater food security for those that need it most. Investing in the communities we serve is inspired by BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and our commitment to making progress by eliminating barriers to inclusion.”
The BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Community Food Hub opening is the result of an extensive community campaign culminating in this transformative gift, according to Jeff Linner, Chair, Capital Campaign.
“Thanks to BMO and our donors, this space will be a hub for programming, including financial and nutritional literacy, and Indigenous-led food sovereignty programming. It will truly allow us to give a hand up to thousands of people in our community.”
We are proud of the quality and diversity of food we provide to our community. Now those we serve will be able to access that food with the experience of walking through a Food Hub that looks like a grocery store and picking out the food they need. As they walk through the aisles you are greeted by smiling Regina volunteers. There will be diverse cultural food options, and Indigenous languages. Much of the food on offer comes from Saskatchewan including locally sourced milk, eggs, protein, lentils, oats, and vegetables. There will be opportunities to pick up a recipe card or watch a video to learn more about where your food comes from and how to prepare it. This experience provides a foundation for a future of healthy life choices.
The BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub will create a healthier Regina and give a hand-up to thousands. It is a transformational project that illustrates the collaboration, care and community building that is Saskatchewan.
The Regina Food Bank wishes to acknowledge our volunteer Capital Committee, Board of Directors, and staff for their vision. We are honoured and grateful for the donations from our community. We are grateful for every contribution - from kids dropping off their piggy banks, to new corporate partners, and long-standing champions helping make this vision a reality. Finally, our heartfelt thank you to BMO for Boldy Growing the Good, and sharing our commitment to fighting hunger, meaningfully addressing reconciliation, building community and taking care of our neighbours.
Comments