REGINA — Extreme cold snaps can be difficult for Regina’s most vulnerable to access food, as going outside could pose health risks.
To counter this, several non-profits offer food delivery services, including the Regina Education and Action on Community Hunger (REACH).
“It's primarily seniors who access our food meal program, where we deliver frozen meals as well as produce and other healthy items,” said Matt Leisle, executive director of REACH.
Leisle said delivery services for the program increase during this time of year.
“Especially around Christmas time, we see an uptick in deliveries there, and throughout January, as you mentioned, a lot of people aren't able to get out as much or are unable to get out as much as they want.”
Leisle said REACH prepares its vehicles to avoid breakdowns while delivering food to keep up with demand.
“Once those vehicles hit the road, our drivers are ready to get where they need to go, and everything's packed and ready for them on the road. So we make it as efficient as we can.”
On the flip side, the Regina Food Bank (RFB) said weather conditions can create challenges for those trying to access food.
“We've seen that especially on bad weather days, when we had the storm and whatnot, it definitely impacts how people are able to come pick up their food,” said RFB vice-president Evelyn Cerda.
The RFB offers daily deliveries for its food hamper program.
“When someone books their appointment to get their food, they can select from delivery, pick up or going to the community food hub if they live close by. So they have multiple options for them to actually access our services,” noted Cerda.
The food bank delivers roughly 130 to 140 hampers a day, said Cerda.
She mentioned the flexibility the program offers so people can stay indoors for days while receiving food.
“If one day is already filled in terms of delivery, we can always offer a different date for them to receive their food.”
In terms of food delivery demand increasing, Leisle said he expects to see that in the next five to 10 years.
“We'll continue to see more options that are more convenient, whether through home delivery, through delivery to different areas or different pickup locations.”
