Bethune, Saskatchewan – On Wednesday September 11th, K+S Potash Canada (K+S) announce a $1 million dollar donation in support of food security for families in Saskatchewan.  

A significant donation of $500,000 each to the new Saskatoon and Regina Food Bank facilities represents one of the largest combined donations in the community for K+S since 2017. To date K+S has invested nearly $15 million dollars in sponsorships and donations in Saskatchewan, with many investments concentrated near the company’s mine site in Treaty 4 near Regina and Moose Jaw. Additionally, investments have been made to community organizations in Treaty 6 and Saskatoon, where the corporate office is located, and to charities outside of the province in the Tri-cities area in British Columbia, where their potash product is exported.  

In Saskatoon, the investment will be designated towards the Nutritional Education program and a learning space in the building. The Nutritional Education Program is a program that combines gardening with nutritional education, teaching youth how to grow and cook healthy food.  

“We are so appreciative of this generous contribution from K+S Potash Canada. The purpose-built facility will allow us to better address hunger and poverty for the up to 23,000 people turning to us each month, 41% of which are children,” says Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. “When people enter our new home, they will be welcomed into a vibrant and lively hub for learning and connection with programs and services that go beyond emergency food distribution.” 

The investment in Regina will go towards supporting the new play structure adjacent to the Asahtowikamik Food Hub in Regina’s downtown core, allowing children of all ages to play while their families shop at the food bank, set up to give clients a market-like experience.  The donation will also support youth school food programs in nine community schools, helping feed over 2,000 students per week with lunches, weekend snack-packs, pantry items, and a Summer Hamper Program.  

“K+S has a focus on being a good neighbour, and adding purpose. For us, we share their commitment to feeding our neighbours and giving a hand-up to thousands of children. Their support will cement our ability to feed over 2000 children in nine community schools for years to come and enrich the core of our city with a play structure and more heart,” David Froh, Vice President – Community, Regina Food Bank. 

“We prioritize giving back to the communities near where we live and operate, and we take pride in supporting initiatives that create meaningful, positive impacts,” said Sam Farris, President of K+S Potash Canada. “K+S’ commitment to helping sustainably feed the growing population goes beyond our operations. By contributing to these new facilities, we’re investing in the future and ensuring that young people and their families have accessible resources close to home.” 

The decision to support food security in Saskatchewan was made with careful consideration, further reinforcing K+S’s commitment to youth and the local communities where they operate. This investment demonstrates the company’s dedication to helping feed the world’s growing population in more ways than one.

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About Asahtowikamik Food Hub (Regina Food Bank) 

The Regina Food Bank serves those most vulnerable in our community by providing programs and service directly and through partnerships in the areas of food provision, essential skills development and connections to the community supports and opportunities. 

There are 15,000+ individuals who utilize the food bank’s services monthly.  

The new Food Hub is the first of its kind in Canada, offering clients a supermarket type experience, enabling choice and dignity while supporting their basic needs.  

About Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre 

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre is a progressive and collaborative organization that uses a systems approach to develop programs, services, and initiatives that address the underlying causes of food insecurity and poverty in our community. 

There are up to 23,000 individuals who utilized the food bank’s services each month, and 41% of those are children.  

The new facility will double warehouse space and optimize operations by bringing all facilities together at one location while serving all 36 food banks in the province as the administration, shipping and receiving hub for Food Banks of Saskatchewan. 

 
Your Contact Persons 

Paige Gignac 
Community Investment Specialist, K+S Potash Canada 
306.291.1313 
Paige.Gignac@ks-potashcanada.com    

Laurie O’Connor 
Executive Director, Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre 
306.664.6565 ext. 232 
laurie.o@saskatoonfoodbank.ca

David Froh
Vice President Community, Regina Food Bank  
306.550.4823 
Dfroh@reginafoodbank.ca