More than meets the eye

Food Bank & Learning Centre

By Parsa Navidi on Apr 22, 2025 in Giving

In Saskatoon, the challenges of food insecurity are deeply felt. The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre (SFBLC) is answering that challenge by going above and beyond. Under the leadership of executive director Laurie O’Connor, the organization provides community members with tools to thrive.

“Our nutrition program is very near and dear to us,” said O’Connor. “It’s about food, yes — but also about connection, skills and long-term stability.”

From job training to cooking classes, the SFBLC empowers residents with resources that address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.

Food literacy with far-reaching impact

What started as a necessity during the pandemic has grown into a vital lifeline. SFBLC’s online and in-person cooking programs are eight-week classes, often delivered in partnership with other community organizations. They’re designed to build both food literacy and social connection.

“We’ve worked with youth, moms living with HIV and newcomers,” said O’Connor. “For some, it’s the first time they’ve cooked in years. We’re helping people reclaim confidence in the kitchen.”

Meal kits are delivered to participants, who cook together with facilitators. With future plans to expand the program in a new building — complete with both commercial and learning kitchens — the SFBLC is poised to help even more families gain lifelong skills.

More than food support

In addition to food-focused initiatives, the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre operates a clothing depot — a low-cost, second-hand retail space where community members can purchase a bag of clothes and household essentials for just $2. It’s a simple, effective way to reduce costs for families while offering a dignified shopping experience. The depot also helps distribute non-food donations like pet food and laundry detergent, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

A new chapter on the horizon

After years of operating across multiple locations, the SFBLC is now preparing to consolidate its services into one purpose-built facility. With $13 million already raised, the centre’s new home will serve as a hub for food access, skill-building and community support.

“Our goal is to double in size over the next 10 years,” explained O’Connor. “Unfortunately, we know the need isn’t going away. We want to be ready and better able to support folks long-term.”

This growth includes innovative plans to process food before it reaches the landfill, using the new kitchens to freeze, cook or repurpose ingredients for future distribution.

Where hope takes root

From a single mother relieved to receive milk for her children, to a young dad who found work through SFBLC’s employment training and is now on track to buy his first home, every success story reflects the organization’s holistic approach.

“When you live in poverty, it’s hard to dream big,” said O’Connor. “We want people to move from surviving to thriving.”

Another standout moment? A group of Afghan women recently shared their joy at cooking again after spending years in refugee camps. With their children at their sides, they learned, connected and rediscovered pride in their traditions — all through a nutrition program session at the community garden.

How Yardi helps

Yardi has proudly supported the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre for years. “The unwavering support from Yardi, especially during COVID, made a huge difference,” O’Connor shared. “It wasn’t just about dollars. It was about knowing we weren’t alone.”

This shift in funding will now support the growing nutrition program, with a focus on education, food processing and community outreach.

Be part of the change

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre welcomes community support. Volunteering opportunities include food hamper assembly, helping with nutrition programming and participating in team-building days for corporate groups. You can apply online at saskatoonfoodbank.org or call 306-664-6565 to connect with Erin Berger, their volunteer coordinator.

Your support helps ensure no one in Saskatoon is left behind. Learn more about Yardi’s philanthropic efforts.