FCC donates $500,000 to Saskatoon Food Bank to strengthen Saskatchewan food security

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is pleased to announce that it has donated $500,000 to fully fund the construction of the Second Chance Kitchen at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. The commercial-grade kitchen will reduce food waste by diverting surplus produce and other donated food for processing through canning, freezing and preservation, ensuring more food reaches families in need of support.

Once fully operational, and as production capacity increases, surplus food will be redistributed to rural communities surrounding Saskatoon, expanding the food bank’s reach across the region.

“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. As a national Crown corporation headquartered in this province, we are proud to invest in initiatives that make a measurable difference close to home.”

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Saskatchewan. According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2025 report, food banks in the province saw an average of 55,310 visits per month, representing an almost five per cent increase in demand over the previous year. The Saskatoon Food Bank alone served around 23,000 people per month in 2025, up from about 17,000 per month in 2019. These figures highlight the growing need for food support across the region.

Last year, the organization rescued 1.6 million kilograms of donated food, diverting it from landfills and redirecting it to individuals and families in need. Through its Food Bank Program, in 2025 it served an average of more than 7,800 hampers per month, with approximately 40 per cent of requests made on behalf of children. In addition, 7,900 meals were prepared through its nutrition and cooking programs. The Second Chance Kitchen will significantly expand that capacity.