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The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is creating a special place for children as more rely on its services.
The food bank’s director of operations Deborah Hamp said over 40 per cent of food bank users are children.
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The children’s area will be full of books, toys and learning games for little ones while parents collect their hampers.
“We want this to be a place where kids have fond memories,” Hamp said.
“It’s really difficult for families to open that door to a food bank for the first time, and it can be hard looking after lots of little ones while you’re waiting.”
Cailtlyn Coulter, the food bank’s program manager, said more children are expected to visit throughout the summer. She’s urging the community to donate gently used items like games, puzzles and magnets to help keep them occupied.
“We are really just focusing on those engaging mindful games for different ages of kids,” she said.
Hamp said one in five children in Saskatchewan are experiencing poverty, a statistic she calls “unacceptable.”
“We want to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can here, not just with adequate nutrition, but also just creating that welcoming space for kids to come in and have a few moments.”
Hamp points to rent increases and high grocery prices as challenges for families who are left turning to the food bank.
“We also have one of the lowest minimum wages in Canada and so that plays a factor as well,” she said.
Fresh Fruit for Kids Campaign
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre has launched its third annual campaign to help get healthy food into the hands of children.
“We do worry about kids in the summer months because kids aren’t able to access school programs for breakfast and lunch,” Hamp said.
“We feel strongly that fresh fruit is not a luxury item.”
Hamp said they are hoping to provide fruit to thousands of kids through the campaign goal of $100,000 for the month.
Canpotex has already contributed a $50,000 donation.
“We appreciate and understand where everybody’s coming from and that times are tough out there,” Hamp said. “We do ask the community, if you can, to please step up and think about kids in (Saskatoon).”
