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OUR
IMPACT

Our Purpose

A Community Crisis Requiring Comprehensive Solutions

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We're committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity through innovative programs, sustainable food systems, and partnerships with local producers and businesses. Our integrated approach includes:

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  • Responsive food assistance through our Food Hamper Program

  • Educational success and breaking cycles through our School Food Program reaching 10 schools with 903 students receiving lunch support, 498 weekend snack kits, 492 school pantries, and 155 summer hampers (including culturally appropriate halal and vegetarian options)—ensuring proper nutrition supports learning, attendance, and academic achievement

  • Sustainable food systems with 600,000 units of Farm2Kitchen soup distributed nationwide, showcasing Saskatchewan's agricultural resources addressing food insecurity across Canada

  • Environmental stewardship with 3.8 million pounds of food diverted from landfills while serving community needs

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Partnership Impact: Our 86 community agency partners and schools create a comprehensive network reaching every corner of Regina, while our 17,835.7 volunteer hours (valued at approximately $513,166 at $28.78/hour) demonstrate unprecedented community engagement.

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Our Evidence-Based Commitment to Food Security in Regina

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Our work is grounded in robust Canadian research demonstrating that food insecurity is directly linked to increased healthcare costs, reduced educational outcomes, and intergenerational poverty. Canadian studies show that healthcare costs rise systematically with increasing severity of household food insecurity, with food-insecure adults experiencing greater odds of acute care admission, longer hospital stays, and higher likelihood of readmission¹. Research following over 4,000 children in Nova Scotia found that those in households with very low food security had significantly lower odds of meeting academic expectations in both reading and mathematics². The intergenerational impacts are particularly pronounced among Indigenous communities, where colonial policies continue to affect food security across generations, with Indigenous families experiencing food insecurity at more than double the rate of non-Indigenous families³.

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By amplifying the voices of those we serve—including the 8.7 million Canadians and 2.1 million children currently living in food-insecure households⁴—our agency partners, donors, and volunteers continuously improve our services to meet Regina's changing needs. We recognize that food insecurity affects one in four Canadian children⁵ and understand that addressing this crisis requires more than emergency food provision.

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As we face ongoing economic challenges, we're dedicated to ensuring every Regina resident has access to nutritious, affordable food. Canadian policy research demonstrates that evidence-based interventions work: income supplementation programs show moderate to high certainty in reducing household food insecurity,⁶ and real-world examples like Newfoundland and Labrador's poverty reduction strategy achieved an unprecedented 5 percentage point decrease in provincial food insecurity rates⁷. The Canada Child Benefit reduced severe food insecurity among low-income families by a third,⁸ proving that well-designed programs create measurable change.

 

Our ultimate goal remains creating a hunger-free community through evidence-based programs, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to those we serve. We know that food insecurity is fundamentally an income problem requiring policy solutions,⁹ and we work to address both immediate food needs and the root causes of food insecurity. Through advocacy for adequate social assistance rates, support for living wages, and promotion of comprehensive poverty reduction strategies, we strive to implement the evidence-based approaches that Canadian research has proven effective in reducing food insecurity and its devastating impacts on health, education, and intergenerational wellbeing.

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[1] PROOF (University of Toronto). (2025). New data on household food insecurity in 2024. Retrieved from https://proof.utoronto.ca/2025/new-data-on-household-food-insecurity-in-2024/

[2] PROOF (University of Toronto). (2025). New data on household food insecurity in 2024. Retrieved from https://proof.utoronto.ca/2025/new-data-on-household-food-insecurity-in-2024/

[3] northeastNOW. (2024, October 27). Canadian scurvy case sheds light on Saskatchewan's rising food insecurity stats. Retrieved from https://northeastnow.com/2024/10/27/canadian-scurvy-case-sheds-light-on-saskatchewans-rising-food-insecurity-stats/

[4] PROOF (University of Toronto). (2025). New data on household food insecurity in 2024. Retrieved from https://proof.utoronto.ca/2025/new-data-on-household-food-insecurity-in-2024/

Fighting Food Insecurity in Regina: Our Community's Essential Response

 

Food insecurity remains a critical health issue in Canada, with 10 million Canadians, including 2.5 million children, living in food-insecure households in 2024¹ the highest level ever recorded.  In Saskatchewan, the crisis is particularly acute, with 30.6% of people experiencing food insecurity in 2024, making it the second-highest rate in Canada².  Among Saskatchewan's children, 35.3% live in food-insecure households³, significantly higher than the national average of 32.9%⁴.

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These alarming statistics reflect more than numbers—they represent families struggling with the rising cost of living, children arriving at school hungry, and households forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. Food insecurity is closely linked to poor health outcomes, including increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and reduced life expectancy.

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Since 1982, the Regina Food Bank has evolved from offering short-term relief to becoming Regina's largest direct service provider supporting those facing food insecurity. In 2024-2025, we served 22,638 unique individuals across 67,529 households—distributing 93,412 hampers and over 3.8 million pounds of healthy, quality food worth $12,679,251, equivalent to 4.1 million meals worth of food using Health Canada's balanced nutrition standards.

 

Our exceptional efficiency means $4,081,141 in donations generates $12,679,251 worth of food distribution—a 3.1:1 leverage ratio through strategic purchasing, donations, and community partnerships.

 

View Regina Food Bank’s audited financial statements.

ref1
ref2
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VOLUNTEER

& STAFF

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​17,836     VOLUNTEER HOURS

59,400   STAFF HOURS

FUND CONTRIBUTION SOURCES

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$4,081,141 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

ALLOCATION OF
RESOURCES

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$1,465,008.99  SPENT ON PROGRAMMING

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 FOOD 
HAMPERS 

 PROGRAM DISCUSSION 

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The Food Hamper Program remains the core activity of the Regina Food Bank as we fight hunger and feed hope. In 2024-2025, we distributed 93,412 hampers, a 10% increase from the previous year, serving 67,529 households - a 2% increase. Food Hampers are designed to meet the immediate needs of people facing food insecurity. They are provided in person at the Regina Food Bank, by delivery or through our network of 86 community agency partners and schools. Those we serve can receive a Food Hamper every two weeks, containing an assortment of food items providing 7 to 10 days' worth of food based on the household's size. The composition of each hamper strives to meet Canada's Food Guide.

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 CAUSES  

Food insecurity in Canada continues to be prominent. In Regina, some reports indicate that as many as 22% of residents do not have full access to food¹. The situation has worsened dramatically, with food bank usage in Canada reaching over 2 million visits in March 2024 alone, the highest number in history, representing a 90% increase compared to 2019. Economic pressures due to the increasing cost of living continue to exacerbate food insecurity. Our data shows that we are outpacing this growth with 259% increase in Regina Food Bank food bank usage over six years.

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[1] City of Regina. (2021) Regina's Community Safety & Well-being (CSWB) Plan: 53-54

[2] Food Banks Canada. (2024). HungerCount 2024: Buckling Under the Strain. Retrieved from https://foodbankscanada.ca/hungercount/

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 EFFECTS 

Food insecurity is strongly linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes¹, including an increased risk of chronic diseases, which in turn puts additional strain on the Canadian healthcare system. Canadian research demonstrates that healthcare costs rise systematically with increasing severity of household food insecurity, with food-insecure adults experiencing greater odds of acute care admission, longer hospital stays, and higher likelihood of readmission².  Additionally, households experiencing food insecurity often face barriers to accessing adequate medical care, exacerbating these health problems and further burdening healthcare services. The intergenerational impacts are particularly pronounced among Indigenous communities, where food insecurity rates are more than double those of non-Indigenous families³.

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[1] Tarasuk, V., Cheng, J., de Oliveira, C., Dachner, N., Gundersen, C., & Kurdyak, P. (2015). Association between household food insecurity and annual health care costs. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 187(14), E429-E436.

[2] Men, F., Gundersen, C., Urquia, M.L., & Tarasuk, V. (2020). Food insecurity is associated with higher health care use and costs among Canadian adults. Health Affairs, 39(8), 1377-1385.

[3] Statistics Canada. (2023). Study: Food insecurity among Canadian families, 2022. The Daily, November 14, 2023. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231114/dq231114a-eng.htm

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 WHO IS AFFECTED 

The Food Hamper Program serves a diverse population:

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  • 53% of those served are women (81,878 points of service) 

  • 9% are seniors (16,306 points of service) 

  • 15% are indigenous (26,781 points of service) 

  • 37% have been in Canada less than 10 years (61,239 points of service) 

  • 39% are children (68,051 points of service) 

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In total, we served 22,638 unique individuals in 2024-2025, a 5.39% increase from the previous year. This data underscores the widespread impact of food insecurity in our community and the critical role of the Regina Food Bank in addressing this growing need.

OUTPUTS

AND OUTCOMES

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Food Hampers provide clients in temporary emergency situations with 7 to 10 days worth of food. In 2024-2025, we distributed 93,412 hampers, a 10% increase from the previous year, serving 67,529 households - a 2% increase. We distributed $12,679,251 worth of food, up 14.4% from last year. Our total points of service reached 226,465, an 11% increase from the previous year. Beyond traditional hamper distribution, our new BMO Asahtowikamik Community Food Hub served 9,240 families, representing a transformative shift toward a dignity-based grocery store model that allows clients to choose foods that work for their families, culture, and health needs.

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 GOALS 

For 2025-2026, we have set the following targets:
 

- Increase our total points of service to 227,655.75

- Source 20% of our food through local producer partnerships and inter-agency programs

- Increase our waste diversion rate by 20%

- Maintain donor retention at 61%, significantly above the national average

- Increase partnership effectiveness of our Agency Partner program

- Expand choice model to serve more families with dignity and choice

- Achieve national recognition through continued accreditation and excellence standards

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SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES

We continue to relieve immediate food insecurity and provide support for those experiencing it. In the past year, we distributed $12,679,251 worth of healthy, quality food, an increase of 14.4% from the previous year, ensuring more nutritious food reaches those in need. Our work is grounded in Canadian research showing that every dollar invested in food security programming yields significant returns through reduced healthcare costs, improved educational outcomes, and breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty. The opening of our Community Food Hub represents a paradigm shift from traditional food banking to a model that preserves dignity while meeting immediate needs.

 

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

Our ultimate goal remains creating a hunger-free community through evidence-based approaches that address root causes. Canadian policy research demonstrates that income supplementation programs show moderate to high certainty in reducing household food insecurity, and we advocate for systemic changes while providing immediate relief. We're working towards this comprehensive vision by:

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  • Implementing innovative solutions like our Community Food Hub that treats clients with dignity and choice

  • Strengthening connections with local farmers and producers and building out our product offering of products manufactured using donated inputs.

  • Advocating for policy changes that address the income-based root causes of food insecurity

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of our partnerships with the community agencies and schools

  • Building evidence-based programs informed by Canadian research on the healthcare, educational, and intergenerational impacts of food insecurity

LEARNINGS

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Our ongoing program evaluation activities, recent data, and comprehensive review of Canadian research on food insecurity have led to several key learnings:

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  • We need to further amplify the voices of those we serve. We're developing methodologies to create standardized estimates of total people facing food insecurity at any given time, which will help us better understand and address community needs.

  • Our client base is diverse and reflects national trends, with 53% women, 39% children, 37% newcomers to Canada (less than 10 years), 15% Indigenous peoples, and 9% seniors. This diversity requires us to continually adapt our services to meet varying needs, particularly given that Indigenous families experience food insecurity at more than double the rate of non-Indigenous families nationally.

  • The Community Food Hub model represents a transformational approach that requires continued expansion and innovation. Serving 9,240 families in its first seven months in operation, the Hub demonstrates that dignity-based, choice-centered models can successfully meet client needs while preserving respect and cultural appropriateness. We're working to expand our innovations in choice model distribution and grow the number of people served by the Hub, while developing measures to reduce the percentage of clients receiving food they don't use to improve program efficacy.

  • Operational efficiency must evolve to better match supply with demand. We're enhancing our systems to optimize food distribution, reduce waste, and ensure that our the food diverted food reaches those who need it a way that they can use. This includes refining our inventory management, delivery logistics across food collection routes, and coordination between our traditional hamper program and the new Hub model.

  • Volunteer engagement is crucial and continues to grow. We achieved 17,835.7 volunteer hours in 2023-2024 (a 7.8% increase), and we aim to reach 19,619 hours in the coming year. The Community Food Hub has created new volunteer roles, further enhancing community involvement and connection.

  • Local partnerships are key to our success and regional food system strength. Building on our Farm2Kitchen program successfully distributed 600,000 units nationwide, demonstrating how local Saskatchewan ingredients can address food insecurity across Canada. We've increased food sourced through local producer partnerships and will look to roll out new products in the coming year.

  • Sustainability and environmental responsibility align with our mission. In 2024/2025 we successfully diverted 3,803,299 lbs of healthy, quality food from landfills, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship alongside hunger relief.  In 2025/2026 our goal is to continue to continue to grow this number and expand our efforts in food transformation to ensure that the people we serve are able to make us of the product we provide.

  • Evidence-based advocacy is essential for long-term change. Canadian research showing that food insecurity costs the healthcare system billions annually, reduces educational outcomes, and perpetuates intergenerational poverty informs our advocacy for income-based policy solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

DESCRIPTIONS

AND DEFINITIONS

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UNIQUE CLIENTS
This is calculated by counting all members of the household only once, irrespective of their number of visits to the program.

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POINTS OF SERVICE
This is calculated using the total number of individuals who are supported and include those who make multiple visits to the food bank in a year.

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REFERRALS TO AGENCIES
A referral out is where a client, calling into the Regina Food Bank, is provided with information about community supports that can help address their underlying root cause of food insecurity. Clients may receive a referral at anytime they call our call centre, they do not necessarily have to book an hamper in order to receive a referral to an agency.

 

CLIENTS HELPED BY AGENCIES
A critical part of the Emergency Food Hamper program’s theory is that the clients build connections and receive referrals to available community services for their needs.

WHAT’S IN A

HAMPER?

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Based on the Canada’s Food Guide Hampers contain a balanced variety of food including fresh dairy, fresh and frozen protein, fresh and canned vegetables, shelf stable dry goods and breads and grains. They contain 7 to 10 days food, and a hamper typically contains the following content:

Canned Soup x2

Canned protein x3

Dry pasta x2

Crackers x1

Cereal Bars x 1

Cookies x1

Fresh Vegetables (3 types)

Fresh fruit (2 types)

Dairy x3

Protein (approx 2lbs)

Bread x1

Pastries x1

Misc x 2

TOTAL POINTS OF SERVICE DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

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53% OF THOSE SERVED ARE WOMEN (86,683 POINTS OF SERVICE)

 

9% OF THOSE SERVED ARE SENIORS (15,653 POINTS OF SERVICE)

 

15% OF THOSE SERVED ARE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (30,623 POINTS OF SERVICE)

 

37% OF THOSE SERVED HAVE BEEN IN CANADA FOR LESS THAN 10 YEARS (60,148
POINTS OF SERVICE)

 

39% OF THOSE SERVED ARE CHILDREN (63,130 POINTS OF SERVICE)

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NON-FOOD 
RECLAMATION

PROGRAM DISCUSSION

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The Non-Food Reclamation Program works directly with retail partners, acting as a centralized distribution hub for essential non-food products. These include hygiene items, household cleaning essentials, kitchen and food storage items, school supplies, and baby products. Towards the end of our fiscal we started to accept large household appliances and mattresses as well. We distribute these items to our agency partners to ensure they reach those in need most effectively.

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 CAUSES

While addressing the immediate food needs of those facing food insecurity is the mission critical activity of the Regina Food Bank, we have been able to create a supply chain for non-food items.  By distributing these items in the community, we can create additional supports for those facing food insecurity by sourcing and distributing product and reduce over expense burden on a individual or household.

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 EFFECTS 

By provide goods with along with the provision of food we can support greater autonomy in those we serve.  For some it means that staple non-food items are available that would otherwise be unattainable, for others it allows for a shift in spending patterns as household items are available to them.

 

 WHO IS AFFECTED  

Agencies that support and distribute non food items to population in need.  Unlike the Food Hamper Program, the Retail Reclamation program does not directly connect with the food insecure population receiving the hampers. We work with agencies that are based in Regina and work cooperatively to get products out to the people in need in our community.  We rely on qualitative reporting by the agencies accessing the program to evaluate the impact. According to the reporting by the agencies, the largest segment of the target population that received product are categorized as moderately or severely food insecure.

OUTPUTS

AND OUTCOMES

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The Non-Food Reclamation Program food insecurity by providing the short-term relief of hunger to those living rough. The root causes of long-term hunger are also addressed as clients are given hampers by organizations which provide support for individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The food acts as a connector and allows agencies to work with individuals to transition them out of poverty. This program reduces poverty by relieving some financial and mental strain on those living rough and allowing individuals to use the funds and resources to move into a stable shelter situation. We collaborate with 12 non-profit agencies that are working with the homeless population.

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GOALS 

The goals for the program are to be within 10%, plus or minus in the coming fiscal year. We are projecting for 2025/26, the total pounds of product distributed to be between 198,900 and 243,100 lbs. We aim to hold steady on our agency count at 86 and shift our focus to create efficiencies within this program.

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SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES

Supplying non-food products to partner organizations enhances community impact. These organizations save time and money on procurement, allowing them to invest in areas of greater impact. By providing these products for free, we give people more autonomy and comprehensive support, increasing the capacity to help those facing food insecurity.

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LONG-TERM OUTCOMES 

Creating a hunger-free community.

 LEARNINGS ​

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  • We participate in numerous program evaluation activities that have led to a number of learnings: Our network of community agency partners and schools decreased to 86 from 119, allowing to re tool our distribution strategy and ultimately reach more people in need more effectively.

  • The results of our Partnership Collaboration Index (PCI) show that there is great deal of impact created by supporting agencies with product they would otherwise have to buy.

  • Every product has a use for someone! Don’t discount or place a label on the use of an item as it holds value for someone. When I sign up a new organization, I always tell them “Your imagination is the only thing that will hold you back”

  • Products have incredible flexibility when grouped effectively. For example creating packages of equipment needed for cooking classes and giving it to participants can be a more empowering way to distribute than dispersing the individual tools.

  • The Reclamation program has potential to be a key enabler to effective distribution of bulk food products that can be effectively used by community partners but are present barriers to household use.

  • Be open to change to meet the needs of the community. The program evolves and changes to meet the volume of demand.

Getting a paper back

SCHOOL FOOD
PROGRAM

 PROGRAM DISCUSSION 

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The Regina School Food Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to address food insecurity among students and promote academic success. This multi-faceted program includes a Lunch Program, School Pantry, Weekend Snack Kit, and Summer Hamper Program, each targeting different aspects of student nutrition and well-being.

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The Lunch Program ensures that every student has access to a healthy lunch, delivered weekly, recognizing that proper nutrition is crucial for learning and concentration. The School Pantry and Weekend Snack Kit programs extend support beyond school hours, providing ingredients for family meals and nutritious snacks for weekends. These components not only address immediate hunger but also aim to improve school attendance¹, particularly on Fridays when attendance is typically lowest. Research has shown that consistent school attendance is a key factor in academic perseverance² and long-term educational success³.

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  1. Engler-Stringer, R. (2025). What needs to happen next for Canada to have a successful school food program. The Conversation Canada. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/what-needs-to-happen-next-for-canada-to-have-a-successful-school-food-program-226947

  2. Balfanz, R., Herzog, L., & Mac Iver, D. J. (2007). Preventing student disengagement and keeping students on the graduation path in urban middle-grades schools: Early identification and effective interventions. Educational Psychologist, 42(4), 223-235.

  3. Faught, E. L., Williams, P. L., Willows, N. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2017). The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. Public Health Nutrition, 20(15), 2778-2785.

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By offering the Summer Hamper Program, the initiative maintains a connection between students and community supports during the summer months, helping to mitigate the 'summer slide'¹ in academic skills often experienced by food-insecure students. This year-round approach underscores the program's commitment to using food as an enabler of academic success and a promoter of regular school attendance². Through partnerships with school boards and community organizations, the Regina School Food Program exemplifies a collaborative effort to ensure that no student's education is hindered by hunger³.

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  1. Alexander, K. L., Entwisle, D. R., & Olson, L. S. (2007). Lasting consequences of the summer learning gap. American Sociological Review, 72(2), 167-180.

  2. Colley, P., Myer, B., Seabrook, J., & Gilliland, J. (2019). The impact of Canadian school food programs on children's nutrition and health: A systematic review. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 80(2), 79-86.

  3. Everitt, J., Powell, L. J., & Gilliland, J. (2022). School food programs in Canada: A comprehensive assessment across different scales and contexts. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 47(12), 1217-1230.

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CAUSES 

Addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity in schools requires an evidence-based, multifaceted approach that not only provides immediate food assistance but also tackles the broader systemic issues contributing to food insecurity¹. Research demonstrates that Canadian children experiencing very low household food security have significantly reduced odds of meeting academic expectations, with 0.65 times the likelihood of meeting reading standards and 0.62 times the likelihood of meeting mathematics expectations compared to their food-secure peers².

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The complex relationship between food insecurity and academic achievement creates a cycle where educational disadvantage can perpetuate economic hardship and continued food insecurity³. Effective interventions must therefore address both immediate nutritional needs and the long-term factors that contribute to household food insecurity, including poverty, inadequate social supports, and limited access to affordable, nutritious food. Programs like the Regina Food Bank School Food Program represent a critical intervention that can help break this cycle, supporting better educational outcomes for food-insecure students through comprehensive, year-round programming that extends beyond traditional school hours and addresses multiple dimensions of student well-being.

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  1. Government of Canada. (2024). National School Food Policy. Employment and Social Development Canada.

  2. Faught, E. L., Williams, P. L., Willows, N. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2017). The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. Public Health Nutrition, 20(15), 2778-2785.

  3. Tarasuk, V., Mitchell, A., & Dachner, N. (2016). Household food insecurity in Canada, 2014. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF).

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EFFECTS 

Food insecurity significantly impacts educational outcomes, creating a complex web of challenges for students. Research demonstrates that Canadian children experiencing very low household food security have 0.65 times the odds of meeting reading expectations and 0.62 times the odds of meeting mathematics expectations compared to their food-secure peers¹. The primary effects of food insecurity on educational outcomes include:

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  1. Cognitive impairment: Hunger and malnutrition can lead to decreased concentration, memory issues, and slower cognitive processing. This directly affects a student's ability to learn, understand, and retain information in the classroom. Canadian research shows that food-insecure students demonstrate measurably lower academic performance across core subjects².

  2. Attendance problems: Food-insecure students often have higher rates of absenteeism and chronic absence. This may be due to health issues related to poor nutrition, or because students are too embarrassed to come to school without lunch or proper clothing. Studies indicate that universal school meal programs can increase average attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism³.

  3. Behavioral issues: Hunger can cause irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. These behavioral changes can disrupt the learning environment and lead to disciplinary actions, further impacting educational progress. Research shows that universal free school meals are associated with reduced student suspension rates⁴.

  4. Physical health problems: Chronic malnutrition can result in weakened immune systems, leading to more frequent illnesses and extended absences from school. Food-insecure students are more likely to report fair or poor general health compared to their food-secure peers⁵.

  5. Mental health and psychosocial stress: The constant worry about where the next meal will come from creates significant psychological burden for students. Canadian research indicates that food-insecure students experience up to three times higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to food-secure peers, affecting their ability to concentrate and engage in learning⁶.

  6. Limited participation in extracurricular activities: Food-insecure students may be unable to participate in after-school programs or sports due to lack of energy, transportation barriers, or the need to work or care for siblings. This reduces opportunities for skill development and social connection that support academic success.

  7. Reduced academic aspirations and achievement gaps: Persistent food insecurity can lead to lower self-esteem and reduced educational aspirations. Research demonstrates that food insecurity partially mediates achievement gaps between different demographic groups, perpetuating cycles of educational disadvantage⁷.

  8. Summer learning loss: During school breaks, especially summer, food-insecure students may experience more significant academic setbacks due to lack of access to school meal programs and educational resources. The "summer slide" disproportionately affects students facing food insecurity, as hunger diminishes their ability to focus and retain information during unstructured periods⁸.

  9. Family stress and reduced parental involvement: Food insecurity affects entire families, creating household stress that impacts parents' capacity to engage in their children's education. Parents struggling with food insecurity may have less time, energy, or resources to provide homework help, attend school events, or support educational activities.

  10. Social stigma and isolation: The shame associated with food insecurity can lead to social isolation, affecting a student's ability to form supportive peer relationships crucial for academic success. This stigma can be particularly pronounced in schools where meal programs are not universal, creating visible distinctions between food-secure and food-insecure students.

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Intergenerational effects: Food insecurity creates a cycle where educational disadvantage can perpetuate economic hardship and continued food insecurity into the next generation. Children who experience food insecurity may have reduced lifetime earning potential, affecting their ability to provide food security for their own families⁹.

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REFERENCES:

​

  1. Faught, E. L., Williams, P. L., Willows, N. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2017). The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. Public Health Nutrition, 20(15), 2778-2785.

  2. Faught, E. L., Williams, P. L., Willows, N. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2017). The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. Public Health Nutrition, 20(15), 2778-2785.

  3. Government of Canada. (2024). National School Food Policy. Employment and Social Development Canada.

  4. Engler-Stringer, R. (2024). What needs to happen next for Canada to have a successful school food program. The Conversation Canada.

  5. Phillips, E., McDaniel, A., & Croft, A. (2018). Food insecurity and academic performance among college students. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(1), 71-85.

  6. Current State of Food Insecurity in Canada - Students. (2024). University of Saskatchewan.

  7. Camelo, K., & Elliott, M. (2019). Food insecurity and academic achievement among college students. Journal of College Student Development, 60(3), 307-318.

  8. Alexander, K. L., Entwisle, D. R., & Olson, L. S. (2007). Lasting consequences of the summer learning gap. American Sociological Review, 72(2), 167-180.

  9. Tarasuk, V., Mitchell, A., & Dachner, N. (2016). Household food insecurity in Canada, 2014. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF).

OUTPUTS

AND OUTCOMES

​

GOALS 

To support schools in the Regina Public and Catholic School Systems by addressing gaps in student access to healthy and nutritious food. The School Food Program mitigates the risks of program duplication with other agencies by using the school boards to assign services to selected schools.

​

SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES 

Students have greater access to food both during the school year and over the summer months. This will create the environment for:

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  • More consistent attendance during the school year.

  • Early attendance in the school year by supporting year long connection to school.

  • Reduction of the negative impact of food scarcity on academic performance.

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LONG-TERM OUTCOMES 

Higher rate of school perseverance and ultimately academic achievement. Increasing the likelihood of breaking the cycle of food insecurity going forward.

LEARNINGS

​

​We participate in numerous program evaluation activities that have led to several learnings:

​

  • Demand fluctuates, with school needs changing yearly and even throughout the
    academic year, so program deliverables must be adaptable.

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  • It is important to remember that when providing food to a child in school you have a
    responsibility to extend that support to the family as well.

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  • Programs have significant ability to grow based on demand.

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  • Removing Regina Food bank from program title and allowing individual schools to name
    the program has been an effective tool to reduce stigma.

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