Sask. food bank turns into free grocery store for those in need
A Rosthern food bank is now operating similar to a grocery store, where families struggling with food insecurity can choose the items they want, rather than relying on pre-made food hampers.
Good Neighbours Food Centre held a grand opening on Thursday to celebrate the switch from a traditional food bank to a free food market.
Executive Director Betty Rudachyk said it’s an idea that’s been years in the making.
“It was the vision and the dream from many years ago, probably from the beginning of this food bank, to eventually have a system that demonstrated more dignity, more respect, more empowerment for people who were needing to access some food aid,” she told CTV News.
Rudachyk said the non-profit was able to buy coolers and freezers through a federal grant, making that dream reality.
(Stacey Hein/CTV News)
Florence Peeteetuce has been using the food bank for the past decade. She said she's “very happy” with the new model.
“It's just so awesome,” she said. “This makes you [feel] like you're just shopping, buying your own stuff. And it's better that way.”
“They can just pick up an item and put it in their cart.”
Similar to a typical grocery store, the food bank has produce, dairy, protein, and hygiene sections.
Rudachyk said a “shopping companion” is set up for each family to help educate and connect with them.
“We work with intention to make sure that people who come through our doors feel seen, heard, respected,” she said.
Rudachyk said the food bank feeds about 1,000 people a month, and since it’s in a rural community, getting donations can be tough.
“The ongoing process that is needed is just the support of money and food to keep those shelves stocked,” she said.
She said donations are always welcome.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Killer who stabbed victim 'at least 52 times' dies in B.C. prison
A 72-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for a brutal murder that happened in Chilliwack in 2016 has died, according to the Correctional Service of Canada.
Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut after another strike destroyed buildings
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut on Friday in a series of massive explosions that targeted the leader of the militant group and levelled multiple high-rise apartment buildings.
American woman gets SUV stuck in elevator bay at B.C. casino
A U.S. driver somehow squeezed her vehicle through a parkade hallway at a Metro Vancouver casino Thursday, before getting stuck at an elevator bank.
Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast
Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 44 people, snapping towering oaks like twigs and tearing apart homes as rescue crews launched desperate missions to save people from floodwaters.
After decades-long search, northern Ontario man finds vintage vehicle in Larder Lake
A tale about a taxicab hauling gold and sinking through the ice on Larder Lake, Ont., in December 1937 has captivated a man from that town for decades.
2 people caught illegally crossing the International Railroad Bridge into the U.S.: border officials
Two Italian citizens have been apprehended after allegedly illegally crossing over the International Railroad Bridge to the United States.
Former military reservist sentenced for shotgun video calling Liberal MP a 'communist agent' for China
A former Canadian military reservist has been sentenced to house arrest after posting a video of himself firing a shotgun at a picture of a member of Parliament whom he accused of being a 'communist agent' for China.
P.E.I. shellfish festival gastrointestinal illness outbreak largest in province's history: health officer
More than 550 symptomatic people responded to an online questionnaire about a gastrointestinal illness at a Prince Edward Island shellfish festival last weekend.
Family of man who died in incident involving Calgary police issues statement
The family of Jon Wells, a man who died in an incident involving Calgary police earlier this month, say they are seeking time to grieve their loss.