{"id":39832,"date":"2025-04-22T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=39832"},"modified":"2026-02-27T02:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:28:15","slug":"nutrition-program-saskatoon-food-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/nutrition-program-saskatoon-food-bank\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside the Saskatoon Food Bank’s nutrition program"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/figure>\n

In Saskatoon, the challenges of food insecurity are deeply felt. The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre (SFBLC)<\/a> is answering that challenge by going above and beyond. Under the leadership of executive director Laurie O\u2019Connor, the organization provides community members with tools to thrive.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur nutrition program is very near and dear to us,\u201d said O\u2019Connor. \u201cIt\u2019s about food, yes \u2014 but also about connection, skills and long-term stability.\u201d<\/p>\n

From job training to cooking classes, the SFBLC empowers residents with resources that address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.<\/p>\n

Food literacy with far-reaching impact<\/h2>\n

What started as a necessity during the pandemic has grown into a vital lifeline. SFBLC\u2019s online and in-person cooking programs are eight-week classes, often delivered in partnership with other community organizations. They\u2019re designed to build both food literacy and social connection.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve worked with youth, moms living with HIV and newcomers,\u201d said O\u2019Connor. \u201cFor some, it\u2019s the first time they\u2019ve cooked in years. We\u2019re helping people reclaim confidence in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meal kits are delivered to participants, who cook together with facilitators. With future plans to expand the program in a new building \u2014 complete with both commercial and learning kitchens \u2014 the SFBLC is poised to help even more families gain lifelong skills.<\/p>\n

More than food support<\/h2>\n

In addition to food-focused initiatives, the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre operates a clothing depot \u2014 a low-cost, second-hand retail space where community members can purchase a bag of clothes and household essentials for just $2. It\u2019s a simple, effective way to reduce costs for families while offering a dignified shopping experience. The depot also helps distribute non-food donations like pet food and laundry detergent, ensuring nothing goes to waste.<\/p>\n

A new chapter on the horizon<\/h2>\n

After years of operating across multiple locations, the SFBLC is now preparing to consolidate its services into one purpose-built facility. With $13 million already raised, the centre\u2019s new home will serve as a hub for food access, skill-building and community support.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to double in size over the next 10 years,\u201d explained O\u2019Connor. \u201cUnfortunately, we know the need isn\u2019t going away. We want to be ready and better able to support folks long-term.\u201d<\/p>\n

This growth includes innovative plans to process food before it reaches the landfill, using the new kitchens to freeze, cook or repurpose ingredients for future distribution.<\/p>\n

Where hope takes root<\/h2>\n

From a single mother relieved to receive milk for her children, to a young dad who found work through SFBLC\u2019s employment training and is now on track to buy his first home, every success story reflects the organization\u2019s holistic approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you live in poverty, it\u2019s hard to dream big,\u201d said O\u2019Connor. \u201cWe want people to move from surviving to thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another standout moment? A group of Afghan women recently shared their joy at cooking again after spending years in refugee camps. With their children at their sides, they learned, connected and rediscovered pride in their traditions \u2014 all through a nutrition program session at the community garden.<\/p>\n

How Yardi helps<\/h2>\n

Yardi<\/a> has proudly supported the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre for years. \u201cThe unwavering support from Yardi, especially during COVID, made a huge difference,\u201d O\u2019Connor shared. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just about dollars. It was about knowing we weren\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

This shift in funding will now support the growing nutrition program, with a focus on education, food processing and community outreach.<\/p>\n

Be part of the change<\/h2>\n

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre welcomes community support. Volunteering opportunities include food hamper assembly, helping with nutrition programming and participating in team-building days for corporate groups. You can apply online at saskatoonfoodbank.org<\/a> or call 306-664-6565 to connect with Erin Berger, their volunteer coordinator.<\/p>\n

Your support helps ensure no one in Saskatoon is left behind. Learn more about\u00a0Yardi\u2019s philanthropic efforts<\/a>.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In Saskatoon, the challenges of food insecurity are deeply felt. The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre (SFBLC) is answering that challenge by going above and beyond. Under the leadership of executive director Laurie O\u2019Connor, the organization provides community members with tools to thrive. \u201cOur nutrition program is very near and dear to us,\u201d said […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3548,"featured_media":39835,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_s2mail":"yes","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1717,3380,3354],"tags":[3145,3146,2283],"class_list":["post-39832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-giving","category-learning","category-team-yardi","tag-food-insecurity","tag-nutrition-program","tag-saskatoon"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nYardi Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how the Saskatoon Food Bank builds food skills, supports families and helps reduce food insecurity in the community.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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