"The Harvest Pantry" A New Partnership with Local Food Bank
MEDIA RELEASE
Moose Jaw Co-op and Moose Jaw & District Food Bank Partner on New
‘The Harvest Pantry’ Food Provision Model
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan – October 21, 2024 – The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, in collaboration with Moose Jaw Co-op, is proud to announce the launch of The Harvest Pantry, a new client-choice shopping program that transforms the way food assistance is provided in our community. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the Food Bank's mission to offer a more dignified and personalized experience for families in need.
The Harvest Pantry is designed to give clients the opportunity to select food items that align with their dietary preferences, cultural needs, and household situations, promoting autonomy and self-respect in the process.
Moose Jaw Co-op has been a partner of the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank for decades, most notably through the annual Good Buy to Hunger campaign. This year, Moose Jaw Co-op is deepening its support with a three-year, $90,000 sponsorship, contributing vital funds to help the Food Bank transition to the client-choice model and enhance its service delivery.
Jason Moore, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, emphasized the importance of the partnership: "The Harvest Pantry is more than just a new program – it's a reflection of our commitment to offering services that honour the dignity of those we serve. With Moose Jaw Co-op's generous sponsorship, we're able to offer our clients a more respectful, empowering experience. We’re incredibly grateful for Moose Jaw Co-op’s ongoing support."
The Harvest Pantry's name was carefully chosen to reflect the sense of abundance, nourishment, and care that defines this initiative. The word "Harvest" symbolizes the gathering and sharing of resources for the collective good, while "Pantry" evokes a warm, welcoming space where individuals can select food items that meet their needs with dignity and respect.
"At Moose Jaw Co-op, we encourage initiatives that foster community resilience and sustainability," said Geoff Anderson, CEO of Moose Jaw Co-op. "The Harvest Pantry reflects our value of People First – Everyone Matters, and we are honoured to contribute $90,000 over the next three years to make this vision a reality."
The Harvest Pantry will officially launch on October 28, 2024, and is expected to serve hundreds of children and their families throughout the Moose Jaw area. This client-choice model is part of the Food Bank’s ongoing efforts to evolve and better meet the needs of the community. With Moose Jaw Co-op’s financial backing and the support of other community partners, the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is well-positioned to fulfill its mission of alleviating hunger while promoting self-sufficiency for those it serves.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Jason Moore, Executive Director Geoff Anderson, CEO
Moose Jaw & District Food Bank Moose Jaw Co-op
jason.moore@mjfoodbank.org Geoff.anderson@moosejawcoop.ca