The Regina Food Bank teams up with BMO to fight food insecurity with an innovative new food hub
In partnership with BMO, the Regina Food Bank has opened Canada’s first at-scale choice model food bank in the heart of downtown Regina. The BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Community Food Hub operates similarly to a grocery store for registered food bank users; they can shop for what they need and accommodate their unique dietary requirements.
The Regina Food Bank feeds over 17,000 people – half of whom are children – every month, including 5,400 new Canadians and 2,300 self-identified Indigenous clients. In 2023, the Regina Food Bank served 66,174 households, which was up 17% year over year. BMO’s $1 million investment will help to provide a dignified experience and reduce barriers to accessing nutrition to fight record food insecurity.
And the Food Hub provides more than food – it’s a space to promote and support community health. “Thanks to BMO and our donors, this space will be a hub for programming, including financial and nutritional literacy, and Indigenous-led food sovereignty programming,” says Jeff Linner, Chair, Capital Campaign. “It will truly allow us to give a hand up to thousands of people in our community.” The Hub is also home to an outdoor community gathering space equipped with a play structure, basketball court, public art, greenery and benches.
“Our community has rallied behind our efforts to change forever how a food bank operates. This campaign has illustrated the generosity and spirit of our community. We have shown that with collaboration and big dreams, we can create a healthier Regina. We are so grateful”
– Jeff Linner
Chair, Capital Campaign
“This is one of the many ways BMO is investing in opportunities to support the journey to equity in our communities through partnerships that help us grow the good. Choice accompanies dignity and the BMO ASAHTOWIKAMIK Community Food Hub is a wonderful example of that,” said Helen Seibel, Head of Community and Employee Giving at BMO.
ASAHTOWIKAMIK means “feeding lodge” in Cree. The name was gifted through ceremony by Elder Murray Ironchild of Piapot First Nation. ASAHTOWIKAMIK tells us that when we eat and share a meal, we feed ourselves, our relationships and our community.
“BMO is proud to support Canada’s first at-scale choice model food bank here in Regina. This donation is making a difference in our community by providing more options and greater food security for those that need it most. Investing in the communities we serve is inspired by BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and our commitment to making progress by eliminating barriers to inclusion.”
– June Zimmer
Regional President, Western Canada, BMO Private Wealth
