Regina Food Bank aiming to raise a million meals

With inflation driving prices up and many having a tough time making ends meet, more and more people are relying on services like the food bank.

That’s why, for the third year in a row, the Regina Food Bank is launching its Million Meals Challenge.

It’s aiming to raise one million meals by Nov. 10.

John Bailey, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, said the organization has been seeing a big increase in demand.

“We have more people turning to us for service than we ever have in our history,” Bailey told 980 CJME’s Greg Morgan.

“What we’ve seen this year is really, sort of, a little bit eye-opening for us.”

This year, the Regina Food Bank is expecting to provide 140,000 points of service, 20,000 more than last year.

Bailey said the biggest increase has been in new users who have full-time jobs but are still having trouble making ends meet. He’s encouraging people to donate, and to organize at their schools and workplaces as well.

“We know the need this year is greater than its ever been,” said Bailey. “We also know that the city’s going to rally around us to make sure those folks get the food they need.”

He’s also encouraging athletes to “donate their number,” meaning to donate their jersey number or golf handicap in dollars or meals, then share that on social media to encourage others to do the same.

The Mosaic company will match all meals donated in October up to 150,000.

The food bank will be holding several events to add to its total, including Feed the Need on Oct. 29 and 30, and Stuff the Bus and the city-wide doorstep food drive Nov. 5.