Farmer Jane Food Drive 2025👩🌾
Our annual Food Drive is back, and after raising 120,000 meals last year, we have already surpassed 250,000 meals since the start of our Food Drive in 2020. We have set our goal this year for 100,000 meals again, and with your support, we can absolutely accomplish this (and maybe beat our total from last year?!). We would like to start by extending a huge thank you to all of our signature sponsors this year. Without their kindness and support, we would never be able to provide this level of support to our local food banks.
Signature Sponsors:
Together, with the help of our fantastic and caring customers, we can combat food insecurity in our cities.
Let’s talk a little about food…
Inflation continues to put pressure on households, and food is one of the hardest-hit areas. In 2025, food prices in Canada are expected to rise by 3% to 5%, with the average family of four spending around $16,834 a year on groceries. That’s an increase of up to $801 from last year. These rising prices are being driven by factors beyond our control, like extreme weather, global supply chain challenges, and a weaker Canadian dollar. What we can control is how we come together to make sure everyone has access to affordable, nourishing food.
Across Canada, food banks are feeling the strain. In March 2024 alone, there were over two million visits, which is 90% higher than in 2019. Children make up about one third of all food bank users, and more than one in five people seeking help are employed, showing how deeply this crisis impacts working families. In Saskatchewan, food bank use has risen over 42% in the last five years, and Manitoba continues to see record demand through organizations like Harvest Manitoba. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent our neighbours, friends, and family. That’s why Farmer Jane is proud to support food banks and the essential services they provide, helping build stronger, more resilient communities across the Prairies.
About our local Food Banks
Harvest Manitoba
Harvest Manitoba continues to be the backbone of food security across the province. They collect and distribute 13 million pounds of healthy, nutritious food each year. From their Winnipeg warehouse, they support more than 380 agency partners, reaching over 108,000 Manitobans each month, including 50,000 who visit a food bank for support.
As Manitoba’s only provincial food distribution network and the fourth largest in Canada, Harvest Manitoba not only fills immediate needs but does so with remarkable efficiency. Every dollar donated leverages $10 worth of food. Volunteers are integral to their success, logging 66,000 hours of service last year alone, equivalent to 32 full-time staff. This year, Harvest has extended its reach even farther north, delivering over 250,000 pounds of food to remote communities via air and ice roads, thanks in part to a generous three-year commitment from Manitoba Pork.
This level of impact would not be possible without the unwavering support of the community, donors, volunteers, partners, and staff. Harvest Manitoba ensures that no Manitoban goes hungry and that our province continues to thrive in compassion and resilience.
Regina Food Bank
The Regina Food Bank brings people together to fight hunger and feed hope by distributing food, the ultimate connector that strengthens our community. With no financial cost or eligibility criteria, they provide free hampers and nutritious meals to those in need while offering education and support programs that restore dignity and create lasting change. In 2024, they launched the BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub, a grocery store-style space where clients can choose the food that best meets their family’s needs. This innovative hub serves more than 17,000 people every month, nearly half of whom are children, and has already made food more accessible for thousands by removing barriers and reducing stigma.
Over the past year, the Regina Food Bank served nearly 20,000 unique individuals, distributing more than 84,000 hampers and over 3.2 million pounds of food, valued at more than 11 million dollars. Of those served, 38 percent were children, 36 percent were newcomers to Canada, 19 percent were Indigenous, and more than half were women. With the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the Regina Food Bank continues to expand its impact, providing not only food but also hope, dignity, and stronger connections for the people of Regina.
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre
The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre is a forward-thinking and collaborative organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity and addressing the root causes of poverty through a systems-based approach. They are committed to creating a food-secure environment where everyone can access safe, affordable, and nutritious food. As innovative leaders, they foster an inclusive, healthy and empowered community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Their Emergency Food Hampers are thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced mix of protein-rich foods, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2024, they provided over 1,307,941 kg (about 2,880,000 lb) of food through this program, contributed $12,291,739 back into the community through their tax clinic and grew more than 5,248 kg (about 11,500 lb) of produce through their Garden Patch urban farm. Wherever possible, ingredients are chosen to be easily combined into wholesome meals, like pairing pasta with tomato sauce, giving families both nutrition and flexibility. Alongside food distribution, they offer education programs, affordable clothing services and community support to empower individuals and families to lead healthy, active lives.
How can YOU help?
Starting in September and throughout October, drop off any non-perishable foods at any of our Farmer Jane locations. Raid your pantry for those cans of beans, unopened jars of peanut butter, or extra boxes of rice you may have stashed away. Donating these non-perishable items will make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Supporting any of the brands listed above ensures that your contribution is meaningful and impactful. Plus, you’ll be satisfied knowing you’re making a significant difference with your donation—a smoking experience you can truly feel good about.
In these challenging times, the importance of community support and the impact of even the smallest donations cannot be overstated. As we launch the Farmer Jane Food Drive 2025, we invite you to come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbours, friends, and fellow community members facing food insecurity. Whether you contribute a can of beans or purchase from our generous partners, your support can provide hope, nourishment, and comfort. Together, we can drive the delivery of 100,000 meals to local families in need.
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. 💚
𝐹𝒶𝓇𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝒥𝒶𝓃𝑒
