"In Saskatchewan, Canada’s first free grocery store is set to open as a flourishing food bank continues to look for ways to support the community.

Located at 1881 Broad St. in Regina, the Food Hub will be stocked like any old grocery store, and unlike similar projects that operate out of churches or community centers, it will feature a produce section, floor-to-ceiling display fridges, and be open all week.

The Regina Food Bank believes that allowing people who rely on the food bank for food security to fill out a cart just like a normal grocery store gives back agency, and may actually help feed more people by reducing waste.

“None of us fit in a box, but that’s what we give our clients today,” Regina Food Bank vice-president David Froh told CBC News. “When you give choices, you give not just dignity, but actually, we figure we can feed about 25% more people.”

One client explained that getting handed a crate of canned/boxed goods put together in a hurry based on what was in stock rarely provides a selection that accounts for things like dietary restrictions, allergies, proper nutrition, or even just synergistic flavors between the foods.

“Normally I barter with my neighbors and we swap back and forth, so it kind of works out that way. But a lot of people don’t do that,” said food bank client Jon White. “So there’s a lot of stuff that just goes to waste.”

The Regina Food Bank doesn’t just support the unhoused or others in dire need of aid; 18% of its clients work full-time, and 2,000 students receive school snacks and meals through their work. Part of their overall objectives with the Food Hub is to reduce societal stigma against using a food bank.

Food banks do not receive government subsidies, so Froh and his colleagues had to look for private donations to raise the CAD$3.7 million they needed to get the Food Hub off the ground. Some of this came from piggy bank-sized gifts, but they also received a CAD$1 million donation from The Mosaic Company.

Much of the stock is produced, grown, or processed in Saskatchewan—part of Regina Food Bank’s goal to improve the sustainability and nutritional quality of the food their clients rely on."

-via Good News Network, June 4, 2024

“Let us do composting at home / work. It is simple, joyful and creative. It is a big step towards building a zero waste society.” -  Shibu Nair

COMMUNAL IDEAS TO CHANGE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The Covid-19 crisis has effected people in many ways, financially being one of the most prominent. The concepts below won’t solve food/financial insecurity, but they can change somebody’s day for the better. I do believe acts of kindness can change the world.              

The Little Free Pantry

The Little Free Pantry was created by Jessica McClard in Arkansas May 2016 to help combat food insecurity. They are made the same way as the popular Little Free Libraries are! 

Things to Donate: non-perishables, school supplies, personal hygiene products  Include: diversified options for different ethnicities and people with diet restrictions (e.g. vegan, gluten free, allergies, etc.) Tip: some creators are omitting/removing the doors for extra safety precaution for Covid-19

Image Credit

Givebox

The Givebox was created by Andreas Richer a decade ago in Berlin. It is a closet or shed that is made out of reclaimed items (like old windows, doors, or wood) that holds once beloved items or things that you never really use, for people to take for free. 

Tip: Decorate and make signage to help passerbyers not confuse it with a garbage bin/area

Image Credit  

Community Produce Stand

This idea was created by Mark Dennis, who was inspired to do something about food waste. If you have a garden that yields extra food, you could start a Community Produce Stand in your neighborhood. Here is a guide how to set one up! 

Foods Accepted: fruits, vegetables, eggs and baked goods (label day you baked/gathered eggs)  Foods Not Accepted: cooked food 

Image Credit

COMMUNAL IDEAS TO CHANGE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The Covid-19 crisis has effected people in many ways, financially being one of the most prominent. The concepts below won’t solve food/financial insecurity, but they can change somebody’s day for the better. I do believe acts of kindness can change the world.              

The Little Free Pantry

The Little Free Pantry was created by Jessica McClard in Arkansas May 2016 to help combat food insecurity. They are made the same way as the popular Little Free Libraries are! 

Things to Donate: non-perishables, school supplies, personal hygiene products  Include: diversified options for different ethnicities and people with diet restrictions (e.g. vegan, gluten free, allergies, etc.) Tip: some creators are omitting/removing the doors for extra safety precaution for Covid-19

Image Credit

Givebox

The Givebox was created by Andreas Richer a decade ago in Berlin. It is a closet or shed that is made out of reclaimed items (like old windows, doors, or wood) that holds once beloved items or things that you never really use, for people to take for free. 

Tip: Decorate and make signage to help passerbyers not confuse it with a garbage bin/area

Image Credit  

Community Produce Stand

This idea was created by Mark Dennis, who was inspired to do something about food waste. If you have a garden that yields extra food, you could start a Community Produce Stand in your neighborhood. Here is a guide how to set one up! 

Foods Accepted: fruits, vegetables, eggs and baked goods (label day you baked/gathered eggs)  Foods Not Accepted: cooked food 

Image Credit

Just sitting here thinking about how there's a garbage shute on my apartment that goes to an incinerator, and wondering if it could be converted for biogas capture instead.