Moose Jaw food bank closed due to sewer and water line collapse

By Tracey Moody

The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank is looking to raise $30,000 for plumbing repairs.

Terri Smith, the operations manager with the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, said a sewer and water line collapse had occurred March 6.

“We have to have a whole replacement inside and outside,” Smith said. “It’s going to be quite costly, and insurance does not cover commercial property.”

She said the unexpected situation means the food bank will be closed to clients until Wednesday at a minimum.

“After that, I’m not exactly sure,” Smith said. “We’ve been posting it on Facebook and on our doors just to let people know where we’re at a couple days in advance.”

Smith said the sewer and water work is expected to cost between $24,000 to $30,000.

Anyone interested in donating can visit a GoFundMe page or donate on the food bank’s website.

“Once we’re back up and running, then you can stop in here and make a cash donation, or you can just mail us a donation,” Smith said.

Numbers have increased for food bank usage. In February, it handed out 850 hampers for Moose Jaw households.

For anyone who needs food during the closure, Square One has a list of locations in Moose Jaw that offer meals for those experiencing food insecurity.