On August 15, 2024, the Regina Food Bank opened its new Community Food Hub. Located at 1881 Broad Street in downtown Regina, the Community Food Hub is both a centralized distribution centre and a unique project within the Canadian food bank community.
MLT Aikins is proud to have committed $100,000 to the Community Food Hub. In recognition of the firm’s support, the new lobby will be named the MLT Aikins Mâwacihitowikamikos Welcoming Area. Mâwacihitowikamikos is Cree for “you’re welcome here.” The name was given to use after the food bank’s Indigenous consultation with Cree knowledge keeper Jeffery Cappo.
“MLT Aikins has a long history with the Regina Food Bank. Over many years, it has consistently been one of our firm’s important charitable causes. This particular partnership is aligned with our firm’s own diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. It is also supportive of our firm’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92,” says MLT Aikins Managing Partner Aaron Runge.
The Community Food Hub will provide clients with a grocery store experience with more Saskatchewan grown and produced food; nutritional and financial literacy programming; diverse cultural food choices; and a vibrant and dynamic gathering place for community.
At a time of record hunger, the Community Food Hub will enable the food bank to feed 25% more Regina residents. Also, for the first time in 40 years, clients will be able to choose the food they need. This will result in less food waste, greater dignity for clients and an environment ideally suited for teaching students nutritional and financial literacy.
In addition, the Regina Food Bank currently feeds more than 5,000 new Canadians a month. Supporting new Canadians as they get established enriches our community and the Canadian economy.
“Our firm’s name, designed in different languages that reflect the diversity of our community, will welcome thousands of Community Food Hub clients, volunteers, students and other community members for years to come. We are immensely proud of our contribution to this new and unique approach to food bank services,” says MLT Aikins Regina Partner Nathan Schissel.
MLT Aikins’s commitment to the Regina Food Bank is ongoing. For example, in December the firm’s Regina office raised funds to purchase rice for food hampers. The Regina Food Bank then matched the donation with lentils, and lawyers, Mother Teresa Middle School students and staff all came together to measure rice and lentils into one-pound bags. Rice and lentils are staples for many families in the community that rely on the food bank.
“MLT Aikins shares our commitment to give a hand-up and build community. This generous investment will help us transform forever how we feed our community. The gift sends a message of care and hope, which is the most powerful form of nourishment. They are a wonderful partner and we are grateful,” says David Froh, Vice President, Community of the Regina Food Bank.
Join MLT Aikins in the fight against hunger by donating to the Regina Food Bank’s Community Food Hub campaign and help ensure no one in our community goes hungry. The campaign has an overall target of $5 million target.
About the Regina Food Bank
The mission of the Regina Food Bank is to serve those most vulnerable in the 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.
