Carol Baldwin/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/Wakaw Recorder Good Neighbours Food Centre's street frontage. Carol Baldwin Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Wakaw Recorder On May 24th, Rosthern’s Good Neighbours Food Centre started a new chapter as a food bank. The space has been converted into a free “store” where instead of receiving a pre-made food hamper, people seeking food assistance can select the items they want or that their family prefers.
This approach empowers individuals to make choices that align with their culture and personal preferences and aligns with Good Neighbours’ core belief of providing a “hand up” rather than a “handout”. The “store” method of food aid is considered the best practice in food banks, and the Good Neighbour Food Centre is the second food bank in Saskatchewan to adopt this model. The center resembles a regular grocery store with coolers for perishables and shelves for packaged and canned goods, but all the food is free.
Depending on family size, people can choose a specified number of items from a specific area. After finishing their shopping, they take the tag from their cart and bring their vehicle to the side door, where volunteers will assist with loading it. The store model provides users greater dignity and grace and reduces potential food waste, as families only take items they will use.
At Good Neighbours Food Centre, the food bank represents a symbol of hope, where community members come together to sup.
