Regina group relaunches food security program on World Food Day as more residents struggle to afford groceries
Wednesday is World Food Day and one Regina group recognized the day by highlighting some of the work being done in the city to fight food insecurity.
The day marks the relaunch of REACH's Good Food Box program.
"Food security issues are on the rise across the city. We're in a bit of a different position that we're kind of that bridge between an emergency food source and a traditional grocery store, REACH’s executive director Matt Leisle said. “So by having REACH here and having a Good Food Box program in the city, it can make people less reliant on those emergency sources and help people have those affordable options to eat healthy everyday."
The organization runs with the help of many volunteers who help pack the boxes of food before going to the various pickup locations throughout the city. January will mark 20 years of volunteering with REACH for John Szala.
"It makes us feel great,” he said. “We know where the food is going and we hear the feedback from the people. Our volunteers are great. Our staff is amazing. We've gone through a lot of changes from Winnipeg Street to here. And it's night and day. We have a fantastic facility here. We have good people coming in, just can't beat this place."
The REACH team packs an average of 700 food boxes a month thanks to the hands of volunteers.
"We have, different types of, boxes that we prepare and they contain some vegetables, some fruit, some take a little bit of each...organizations like this, help people see where their food is coming from. REACH shows how we can work with people, work with people's needs and wants and helps keep on going." Szala said.
REACH has been in operation for 34 years and this relaunch of their Good Food Box program is intended to help address the 22 per cent rise of Regina residents struggling to access food, according to REACH. Currently, there are 18 food pickup locations throughout the city, with an additional two coming soon.
Leisle also noted that food box sales are up 70 per cent compared to this time last year.
Anyone looking to support the program can make donations directly through the REACH website or stopping by their office.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 INVESTIGATES Ontario woman alleges sexual assault by junior hockey players; details what happened when she called police
The OPP has acknowledged that one of its employees did not follow the organization's policy when an alleged victim of sexual assault called its London detachment earlier this year to report an incident involving eight former junior hockey players.
Trudeau says he has list of Conservatives vulnerable to, or engaged in foreign interference
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has refused to get the security clearance necessary to be briefed on a list of people in his party who are involved in or vulnerable to foreign interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a federal commission of inquiry Wednesday.
Canada Revenue Agency fires 330 employees over CERB claims during pandemic
The Canada Revenue Agency says it has terminated 330 employees for inappropriately receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during the pandemic, giving its final update on an internal review.
What could happen if Trump rejects the U.S. election results
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump says that if he does not win the Nov. 5 election, he will cry fraud and not accept the results -- just as he did four years ago when he lost to Democratic President Joe Biden.
Investigators name person of interest in disappearance of Vancouver Island woman
Mounties have released startling new details about their investigation into the disappearance of Amber Manthorne, who was reported missing on Vancouver Island more than two years ago, and is believed to have met with foul play.
This Saskatchewan community had more meth in its wastewater than any Canadian city, study shows
A humble city in Saskatchewan appears to be consuming more methamphetamine than anywhere else in Canada, based on recent Statistics Canada data.
Investigation underway after employee found deceased in Cambridge, Ont. walk-in freezer
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is investigating after an employee was found deceased at a Cambridge grocery store.
Billions of litres of Canadian milk were discarded in the last 12 years. A new study says it has a massive impact
Researchers say billions of litres of discarded Canadian milk has a massive financial, environmental and nutritional impact.
Indians in Punjab fear dispute with Canada endangers work, study plans
Indians in Punjab, worried that plans to work, study or visit families in Canada will be jeopardized by this week's tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats over the murder of a Sikh separatist, are urging both governments to reduce the tension.