Non-profits get donation from Mosaic to tackle hunger

The Mosaic Company made a $2.5 million donation this week to 12 community groups based in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw to feed the hungry.

“From providing access to healthy meals each day, to teaching about food is grown, to providing cooking lessons, to bringing nutrition to the forefront in school and classrooms, these organizations are supporting Saskatchewan families and helping them thrive,” read a statement from Karen Swager, Mosaic’s vice-president of potash.

The money will be spent over the next three years through grant agreements with non-profits that focus on food security and food education.

For those who depend on their services, Regina mayor Michael Fougere said it’s not their choice.

“I’ve seen people come in the door and they don’t want to be here,” said Fougere. “Having to come to a food bank for food is very difficult for them to do that.

Moose Jaw’s mayor Fraser Tolmi said the money will help agencies expand their programs.

“I think it takes the pressure off them, to change their focus to say, O.K., is there something maybe missing that we could be doing,” said Tolmi.

The non-profits that will receive the grants include: Salvation Army, Regina Education and Action on Child Hunger (REACH), Regina and District Food Bank, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Carmichael Outreach, CHEP Good Food, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, Wakamow Valley Authority, Hunger in Moose Jaw, Riverside Mission, Moose Jaw and District Food Bank.