FOOD ON THE MOVE CONNECTS WITH KIDS IN SASKATCHEWAN
The Salvation Army wrapped up a unique summer program that provides food to at-risk inner-city youth in Saskatoon and Regina. The project, called Food on the Move, was inspired by PotashCorp’s desire to create a grassroots program aimed at providing nutritious lunches for local children and youth throughout the summer.
The initiative allowed staff and volunteers to prepare and deliver lunches and healthy snacks to children in core parks. PotashCorp donated a combined $45,000 towards the Saskatoon and Regina programs.
“At PotashCorp, we believe that access to healthy, nutritious food is important to growing kids and growing communities,” said Bill Johnson, Senior Director, Public Affairs at PotashCorp. “We were pleased to help make this program available in Saskatchewan’s two largest cities this year and wish to thank the Salvation Army’s volunteers and staff for their important work this summer.”
A growing number of Regina and Saskatoon’s inner-city children rely on school feeding programs; however, during the summer break… schools are not open; cutting off access to healthy food and meals.
In Saskatoon, The Salvation Army served several area parks: Ashworth Holmes, A.H. Brown, Dr. Seager Wheeler, Archibald McDonald, Meadow Green, St. Andrews, Optimists Park, as well as White Buffalo Youth Lodge. The Saskatoon Salvation Army served an average of 165 children lunch each day.
“We have seen an increase in the number of children we serve from last year where the average was 120 per day,” said Salvation Army Community Services Executive Director, Malba Holliday. “It is a vital summer program for many of the children in our community who would go without lunch if we weren’t there. During school lunch is often provided so we wanted to ensure that the children would continue to be fed during the summer to help maintain their nutritional balance.”
In Regina, The Salvation Army served four area parks: Dewdney Pool, Regent Park Pool, Argyle Community Centre, and Cathedral Community Centre.
“There are good summer food programs in our city but, sadly, there are gaps,” said Regina Salvation Army program coordinator, Val Wiks. “Together with PotashCorp, we’ve found a unique way to connect with these kids and bring nutritious food to them. PotashCorp’s Food on the Move program has been a great success – we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Charity Putman was encourgaged while taking on the role of preparing and serving lunches in Regina.
“The only thing surpassing our excitement about the success of this summer is our anticipation of what we can accomplish with Food on the Move next year,” says Putman. “Adding lunches is paramount, but the thrilling challenge will be planning new sites and different approaches of reaching out to this community. I am confident and encouraged that what we are contributing through this ministry is reaching farther into the community than anyone realizes. If Food on the Move’s feeding capacity doubles next summer and we are able to strengthen the relationships we have formed within the city, there is no doubt that this program will send shock waves across the city.”
This was the third year for the program in Saskatoon and the first year in Regina.
