Farmers feeding families at the heart of Regina Food Bank and Viterra partnership
Regina Food Bank and Viterra are pleased to announce their new initiative, Viterra Farmers Feeding Families, which was officially launched today. The program is focused on harnessing Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry to provide food insecure families more nutritious and inclusive food choices. Through its $225,000 investment, Viterra will purchase and process pulses from Saskatchewan farmers to donate to Regina Food Bank. This will result in bagged pulses being offered to approximately 200,000 food insecure clients and 50 community partners.
“At Viterra, we have a long and proud history of working closely with farmers to help feed the world,” said Kyle Jeworski – CEO, Viterra North America. “As an industry leader with a significant presence in communities across Saskatchewan, we feel it’s just as important to fight hunger here at home by teaming up with our farmers and other industry partners. Together, we look forward to transforming how we feed our neighbours with locally grown food.”
Regina-based Canmar Food Products will package the pulses into over 200,000 bags annually. Additional support from Conexus Credit Union has enabled Regina Food Bank to have access to a newly refurbished and fully staffed commercial kitchen where the pulses will be processed, allowing for hundreds of healthy meals a day to be supplied to Saskatchewan families.
“Regina Food Bank’s new partnership with Viterra is rooted in a shared purpose to feed our neighbours, and further builds on the relationship we’ve had for the last several years,” said John Bailey – Chief Executive Officer, Regina Food Bank. “Thanks to their significant support, we will be able to expand our food offerings in a more inclusive and healthy way. I look forward to working with them to continue creating positive outcomes in our communities.”
The Government of Canada has invested $200,000 into Viterra Farmers Feeding Families through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund, which will be used to purchase a new fleet of delivery vehicles. Thanks to support from Bennet Dunlop Ford, these vehicles will be purchased at below market cost, allowing Regina Food Bank to maximize the benefits of the government’s investment. These new assets will allow Regina Food Bank to deliver food to clients more efficiently, test new food distribution models, and replace aging assets.
“In Canada, no one should have to go hungry. Strengthening food security for our most vulnerable populations is more important than ever, as we work together to face the ongoing pandemic,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau – Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Government of Canada. “With support through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, Regina Food Bank will be better able to provide nutritious food to families when they need it most.”
In total Viterra Farmers Feeding Families is a $750,000 investment in food security.
About Viterra
At Viterra, we believe in the power of connection. Our world-leading, fully integrated agriculture network connects producers to consumers with sustainable, traceable and quality-controlled agricultural products. With more than 17,500 talented employees operating in 37 countries, our strategic network of storage, processing and transport assets enable us to offer innovative solutions and open pathways for our customers, creating successful partnerships that last. Together, we are stronger, and achieve more.
About Regina Food Bank
Regina Food Bank feeds over 9,200 food insecure children and adults in Regina each month and collaborates with 100 community-based organizations to distribute food. We are neighbours feeding neighbours. Since 1982 Regina Food Bank has been serving those most vulnerable in our community by providing programs and service directly and through partnerships in the areas of food provision, essential skills development and connections to the community supports and opportunities.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Peter Flengeris Melissa Fiacco
Viterra Canada Inc. Regina Food Bank
(306) 569-4810 (306) 520-7457
peter.flengeris@viterra.com reginafoodbank.ca