Farmer Jane Food Drive 2024 – Update

Farmer Jane Food Drive 2024 – Update

From September 12 to October 25, 2024, Farmer Jane is on a mission to donate food and funds to provide a staggering 100,000 meals to those in need. Since 2021, with the support of our incredible partners and community, we have already donated over 130,000 meals to Food Banks across both provinces. This year, we are well on our way to achieving our ambitious goal of 100,000 meals. Thanks to the overwhelming support we’ve received in just the last few weeks, we are thrilled to announce that we have already surpassed the previous year’s impressive total of 50,000 meals, having now raised over 75,000 meals—and the number continues to proliferate.

This extraordinary achievement is a testament to our partners, patrons, and the community’s caring and generosity. Every meal donated nourishes those in need and strengthens the bonds that hold our communities together. We cannot express enough gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that has made this possible. As we continue to climb towards our goal, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the profound impact we can have when we come together to give back. Thank you for standing with us as we work to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Remember that a donation of $1 can deliver 3 meals to the children, families, and community members who need it most. Every dollar counts, and we are optimistic that continued support from all stakeholders, especially our customers, will allow us to reach our goal.

Food Drive volunteering update

Farmer Jane staff and critical partners recently dedicated two days to volunteering at the Regina Food Bank, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. This hands-on involvement allowed our team to connect with the community profoundly and meaningfully, reinforcing our commitment to fighting food insecurity. From sorting donations to packing hampers, our volunteers immersed themselves in the day-to-day operations of the Food Bank, gaining valuable insights into the immense effort required to support those in need. This experience deepened our appreciation for the Food Bank’s vital role and strengthened our resolve to continue contributing to this essential cause. The energy and dedication displayed by our team and partners were genuinely inspiring, as everyone came together with a shared purpose—ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

Volunteering for two days was a powerful reminder of collective action’s impact. Seeing our staff and partners working alongside the Food Bank’s dedicated team was heartening, each bringing unique skills and enthusiasm. The experience fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared mission, as we witnessed firsthand the difference that even a small group of committed individuals can make. Volunteering at the Regina Food Bank was not just about giving back; it was about understanding the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity and finding ways to be part of the solution. This experience has only strengthened our commitment to supporting the Food Bank and other initiatives that aim to uplift our community, and we look forward to continuing this critical work in the future.

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, mainly food. Regarding food inflation in Canada in 2024, food prices are projected to increase by 2.5% to 4.5%. The average family of four is expected to spend $16,297.20 on food, an increase of up to $701.79 from the previous year. Factors driving food inflation, such as extreme weather events, global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, high energy costs, and a weaker Canadian dollar compared to the U.S., are largely beyond our control. What we can control, however, is utilizing our resources to create more affordable ways for people to get food. 

Every year, 35 million tonnes of food are wasted in Canada, representing nearly $50 billion in lost value, while 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to food waste. Amidst this staggering waste, 1 in 5 Canadians consistently go without food. The solution to this pressing issue lies in a collective effort to provide food, funds, and awareness, addressing both the environmental impact and the urgent need for food security in our communities. More than 40% of those dependent on these resources are children, and the average food bank user now visits up to 10 times a year, a trend seen in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Additionally, nearly one in four recent users of Harvest Manitoba’s food bank reported needing assistance despite having a job, which has increased by 50% from last year.

These statistics highlight the critical state of food security in our community. Our neighbours, friends, colleagues, and family may rely on these organizations. Addressing this issue takes a collective effort, so Farmer Jane is committed to supporting these essential services and those they help.

A little information about our local Food Banks

Harvest Manitoba

Harvest Manitoba gathers and distributes 13 million pounds of healthy, nutritious food each year to feed hungry Manitobans. From their Winnipeg warehouse, they assemble Harvest Hampers, distributed to over 108,000 people each month—including children, families, and adults in need. As the backbone of Manitoba’s food network, Harvest supplies food year-round to independent food banks across the province, ensuring no one goes hungry. They are Canada’s fourth-largest food distributor and the only organization of its kind in Manitoba. Volunteers contribute the equivalent of 32 full-time employees annually to make this possible. Without the unwavering support of kind-hearted people like them, the organization wouldn’t have lasted 39 years or helped as many people as they have.

For every dollar donated, they can leverage $10 worth of food, maximizing the impact of each contribution and significantly enhancing their ability to provide for those in need. This remarkable efficiency ensures that even small donations can make a substantial difference, helping stretch resources further and feed more community members. Because of their channels for distribution and critical partnerships, they are in a value-creating situation and will continue to develop bargaining and purchasing power with the more support they receive. Harvest Manitoba addresses food insecurity through a comprehensive approach that includes collecting and distributing food, providing client-centred long-term solutions, and advocating for systemic change. Their work begins with collecting nutritious food from various sources and distributing it to those in need across the province. However, their commitment goes beyond immediate relief; they focus on offering long-term solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients, helping them achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

In addition to direct services, Harvest Manitoba plays a vital role in advocacy and public education, raising awareness about the root causes of hunger and informing policy to create lasting change. They provide support to more than 380 food agency partners. These partnerships help extend their reach and impact in addressing food insecurity. This multi-faceted approach reflects the diverse communities they serve, the areas in which they operate, and the wide-ranging support they receive from donors, volunteers, and partners. By embodying the values and needs of their community, Harvest Manitoba continues to significantly impact the lives of those who rely on their services.

 

Regina Food Bank

The staff, volunteers, and donors of the Regina Food Bank unite to feed hope by distributing food, the ultimate connector that brings people together. As a charitable, community-based organization, the Regina Food Bank fights food insecurity through nutritious food distribution, education, and support programs. They also help build a fair, caring, and dynamic community, restoring their neighbours’ dignity, health and hope. With no financial cost or eligibility criteria for receiving food hampers, they rally around the city, strengthening Regina. The Regina Food Bank runs an efficient organization with low overhead and high impact, making it a trusted partner for corporate and individual donors, and they take great pride in their responsibility as stewards of the community’s food and funds.

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 in our community through a systems-based approach. They commit to creating a food-secure environment where everyone can access safe, affordable, and nutritious food. As innovative leaders, the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre deeply fosters an inclusive, healthy, and empowered community, ensuring all individuals can thrive.

 

Our Partners

We couldn’t have made this possible without the support of our licensed producer partners, who generously donated to our cause to help us reach our goal. Thank you to our signature partners:

• WYLD Edibles
• Pure Sunfarms
• Western Cannabis
• Herba Farms
• National Cannabis Distribution
• Open Fields Distribution
• WeedMe
• SNDL
• Good Supply
• Redecan

These companies’ values align with ours here at Farmer Jane, and we couldn’t be more proud to have partnered with companies like them. In addition to our signature sponsors, we would also like to thank Coterie, Space Race, Ayurcann and SNDL, our Brown Bag lunch sponsors. Kief Cannabis, Auxly, Maq and Lineage Distribution have stepped up to support the cause as our Snack Pack sponsors. 

How can YOU help?

Starting in September and throughout October, drop off 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 2024, 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 deliver 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. 💚