Farmer Jane Food Drive 2023

Another year is here, and we have set an ambitious goal to match our donations last year. From September through October, our 13 locations seek your support to donate 40,000 meals to local food banks

Let’s talk a little about food…

Inflation has taken a toll on food bank recipients. Prices continue to rise for nearly everything we buy, particularly food. Food inflation in Canada reached 11.4% in September, a rate we have not seen for 30 years.

In 2022-23, the Regina and Saskatoon Food Banks served 55,000 households, a 42% increase from the previous year. Over 40% of the people relying on these resources are children and the average food bank user is now coming in 10 times a year. These statistics ring true for both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. On top of this, nearly one in every four people who used Harvest Manitoba’s food bank recently said they had to turn to the organization for help even though they had a job — a figure that’s jumped 50% since last year.

These are very telling signs for where we’re at as a community in terms of food security. Our neighbours, friends, colleagues and family members may be relying on these organizations. It takes a community to heal, and that’s why we at Farmer Jane are so grateful to be able to provide these deserving organizations and people some of the resources they need to survive. 

A little information about our local Food Banks

Harvest Manitoba

Harvest Manitoba collects and shares 12 million lbs of healthy and nutritious food to hungry Manitobans every year. They prepare Harvest Hampers in their Winnipeg Warehouse, distributing to over 90,000 Manitobans monthly—children, families, and adults in need. Harvest sources food for Manitoba’s independent Food Banks year-round, ensuring no one goes without food. They’re the 4th largest distributor in Canada and the province’s sole food network.

Regina Food Bank

The staff, volunteers, and donors of the Regina Food Bank feed hope. They do this with food – the ultimate connector that brings people together. Food hampers are provided for no financial cost, and there is no eligibility criteria to receive a food hamper. Regina Food Bank is a charitable community-based organization working to fight food insecurity through nutritious food distribution, education, and support programs. They also help build community – rallying the community to make Regina a more fair, caring, and dynamic city.

Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre is a progressive, collaborative organization, that employs a systems approach to address food insecurity and poverty’s root causes in our community. At the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre they are committed to ensuring a food secure community where all people have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre embraces its role as innovative and collaborative leaders in building an engaged, inclusive, healthy, and empowered community for all.

Our Partners

We couldn’t make this possible without the support of our Licensed Producer partners, who generously donated to our cause in order to help reach our goal. Thank you to BZAM Cannabis, WYLD Edibles, Pure Sunfarms, FIGR, and Canaca. These companies’ values all align with ours here at Farmer Jane, and we couldn’t be more proud to have partnered with companies like them. 

How can YOU help?

Starting in September and all throughout October, drop off any non-perishable foods to any of our Farmer Jane locations. Raid your pantry for those cans of beans, unopened peanut butter, or extra boxes of rice. 

Supporting any of the brands listed above will ensure that your contribution makes a noticeable impact. Additionally, when you purchase any BZAM or Ness vape cart, one dollar from your purchase goes directly to these local food banks. A smoking experience you can really feel good about!

In these challenging times, we cannot overstate the significance of community support and the influence of even the smallest donations. As we embark on our Farmer Jane Food Drive 2023, we invite you to join hands with us to make a difference in the lives of our neighbours, friends, and fellow community members who may be facing food insecurity. Your contribution, whether it’s a can of beans or a purchase from our generous partners, holds the potential to bring hope, nourishment, and comfort to those in need. Together, we can be the driving force behind 40,000 meals reaching the tables of local families. 

Let us remember that it takes a village to heal, and by participating in this initiative, you become an integral part of that village, fostering a more caring and dynamic community. 💚