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.

“We are proud to partner with FCC on the Second Chance Kitchen,” said Laurie O'Connor, Executive Director, Saskatoon Food Bank. “Their investment reflects a shared commitment to reducing food waste, improving food security, and building practical solutions that serve people with dignity. This kitchen will make a measurable difference for thousands of households each year.”

Over the past three years, FCC has invested more than $2.5 million in community projects and organizations across Saskatchewan. Nationally, FCC also supports organizations that directly impact Saskatchewan residents, including the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, Food Banks Canada and 4-H Canada, which awarded funding to 40 clubs across the province through the FCC 4-H Club Fund last year.

About FCC

FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization’s employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

About Saskatoon Food Bank

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre is a community-based organization that has a vision of a food secure community where all people have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. For more information on the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre please call 306-664-6565 or visit saskatoonfoodbank.org.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Deborah Movoria
Media Relations
Farm Credit Canada
306-530-9325
deborah.movoria@fcc.ca

Laurie O’Connor
Executive Director
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre
306-370-6998
laurie.o@saskatoonfoodbank.ca