By Carol Baldwin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) announced on Wednesday, March 4th, that it has contributed $500,000 to fully support the construction of the Second Chance Kitchen at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. This commercial-grade kitchen, the first of its kind in the province, FCC believes, aims to mitigate food waste by processing surplus produce and other donated food through methods such as canning, freezing, and preservation, thereby ensuring that a greater quantity of food reaches families in need of assistance.
Once operational and as production capacity expands, surplus food will be redistributed to rural communities in the vicinity of Saskatoon, thereby enhancing the food bank’s outreach across the region. Food insecurity represents a significant challenge in Saskatchewan. According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2025 report, food banks in the province experienced an average of 55,310 visits per month, indicating an almost five percent increase in demand compared to the previous year.
In the past year, the organization successfully rescued 1.6 million kilograms of donated food, diverting it from landfills and redirecting it to individuals and families requiring support. Through its Food Bank Program in 2025, the organization provided an average of more than 7,800 food hampers per month, with approximately 40 percent of requests originating from households with children. Additionally, the program prepared 7,900 meals through its nutrition and cooking initiatives. The establishment of the Second Chance Kitchen will significantly enhance this capacity.
“Food insecurity affects our neighbours, friends, and communities, and represents a challenge we must all tackle together,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “The Second Chance Kitchen is a practical solution that keeps good food in the system, supports families facing food insecurity and strengthens communities across Saskatchewan.
“With so much conversation about what we can do from an affordability point of view, being able to redistribute or maximize every piece that we can is so important, so we couldn’t be prouder to be behind this announcement.”
Over the past three years, FCC has invested over $2.5 million in community projects across Saskatchewan. In 2022, with an FCC grant, Rosthern’s Good Neighbours Food Centre completed essential repairs to its roof and modified the receiving area to better protect vital food donations. The north portion of the roof had begun to leak due to ice damming and wear and tear after the building’s 100-year lifespan. A new metal roof was installed, eliminating the risk of further leakage. The grant funds also allowed for upgrades to the food delivery area, including the installation of a double door to replace the single exit door and the addition of commercial flooring to replace the old carpet.
The Saskatoon Food Bank began as a temporary project in the summer of 1983 and has operated from various locations since then. Its new facility, the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, is set to open in spring 2027. Located on Avenue P, this 3.5-acre site will feature a garden, outdoor classroom, expanded nutrition and workplace education programs, and a commercial-grade kitchen. Groundbreaking for this facility took place in October 2025.