Major agribusiness firm fuels local food bank with lentil donation

Regina Food Bank announced a renewed partnership with agribusiness and food giant Bunge Canada.

Through the updated deal, announced on Thursday, Bunge will supply 105 tonnes of lentils annually to the food bank through its Farmers Feeding Families initiative.

Bunge Canada CEO Kyle Jeworski said it was important not to overlook local concerns about food insecurity.

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“Canada has the benefit of surplus. We have just over 40 million people, but we produce a lot of agricultural products,” he said at a media event. “We always talk about the need for exports. Because of our abundance of production, we do export to over 75 different countries, but we have a need at home.”

Jeworski said the company wanted to behave as a good corporate citizen by providing a healthy product to those in need.

Regina Food Bank’s partnership with Viterra goes back five years and has continued under the Bunge-Viterra merger. Feb. 12, 2026. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

“Lentils are one of the key protein sources for so much of the global population. But in Saskatchewan, which is the leader in lentil production, we know less about it from a consumptive standpoint. So it’s a natural fit for us to provide something that we’re the world leader in growing,” Jeworski said.

Evelyn Cerda, interim CEO at the food bank, said lentils are incredibly versatile and often popular with newcomer families.

“Lentils are a great staple to have and I think for us, it really means that we can provide a healthy source of protein for people who are looking for plant protein, or (who want to) make some of their animal protein with lentils as well,” Cerda said.

Cerda said the food bank is currently feeding more than 17,000 people a month, with more clients signing up. She said this partnership will help them address the increase in demand.

“Food sovereignty is an area where we’re working more towards and for us, as our client base diversifies in their backgrounds – I think it’s important for us to have access to some of the foods that are familiar from their home,” she said.

Evelyn Cerda, interim CEO of Regina Food Bank, said the iniative will help the food bank on its quest for food sovereignty. Feb. 12, 2026. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

“It’s hard to be in a new country, and so for them to find something at the food bank that they know how to cook and know how to use, I think, is very important.”

Jeworski said Bunge Canada is open to expanding the partnership by donating even more than the announced 105 tonnes in the future.

“I wouldn’t say we’re capped at that,” Jeworski said. “I would say right now, we think that’s what the immediate needs are, but we’re always open to having further discussions with the food bank as the success of this program continues to grow.”

The Regina Food Bank has partnered with Viterra for the last five years, support that has continued under the Bunge-Viterra merger.