REGINA, Sask. — The Regina Food Bank is asking the community to help raise $400,000 and collect food donations this month as it works to meet growing demand from thousands of people struggling to afford groceries.
The 2026 Mosaic Million Meal Challenge officially launched Monday at the BMO Asahtowikamik Community Food Hub. The annual campaign, co-hosted by the food bank and The Mosaic Company, aims to provide one million meals by Oct. 30.
“Every month, the Regina Food Bank feeds over 17,000 people, and more than one in three of those are children,” said Mary Weimer, the organization’s president and CEO. “And across our city, we know that one in five children experience food insecurity, and the need is growing.”
Weimer said the pressure has intensified in recent months. Household visits over the summer were up more than 21 per cent compared with the same period last year, while new registrations also increased.
“More people are working than a year ago,” she said. “But as we know, rent, gas, groceries, all of this is rising faster than many households can manage.”
The challenge is now in its seventh year. Since launching in 2020, the campaign has raised more than six million meals for Regina families, with support from businesses, schools, community groups and individual donors.
Mosaic is starting this year’s drive with $75,000 in matching funds, meaning eligible community donations will be matched dollar for dollar until that amount is reached. With the food bank’s purchasing power, each dollar donated can provide six meals.
“The success of this campaign has never been about one organization or just one donation,” said Marnel Jones, Mosaic’s director of government and public affairs. “It’s about what we can accomplish together, and we look forward to seeing our community once again rise to the challenge.”
For the food bank, the campaign arrives as it continues to distribute more than 18,000 pounds of food every day. In 2025, it recorded more than 230,000 visits from nearly 71,000 households and provided food to more than 15,000 children.
David Froh, a Regina city councillor and senior adviser to the food bank’s CEO, said the organization’s ability to serve so many people is closely tied to its community partnerships.
“Our ability to innovate and feed over 17,000 people a month is directly tied to our partnership with the Mosaic Company,” Froh said. “And so we're honoured to support our neighbours and meet the need where they're at.”
Food donations remain essential alongside financial contributions. Weimer said items such as canned meat, peanut butter, pasta, sauces, baked beans and canned stews can help families prepare nutritious meals quickly and affordably.
Residents can donate non-perishable goods through food drives, at participating grocery stores or directly at the food bank. Financial contributions can be made through ReginaFoodBank.ca, where donors can receive a tax receipt and follow the campaign’s meal tracker.
The month will also include school presentations and food drives, along with a Corporate Challenge on Oct. 22, where businesses can take part in the fundraising effort.
Jones said the campaign gives Regina residents a practical way to help neighbours facing difficult choices between basic expenses.
“You provide more than just food for people,” Jones said of the food bank’s work. “You provide dignity, stability, hope and support for thousands in Regina.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, Weimer is urging residents to consider what they can contribute, whether that means making a donation, organizing a food drive or encouraging others to take part.
“This is a community that takes care of each other,” Weimer said. “So as we head into Thanksgiving, I invite you to find your reason to give and to share.”
