The holiday season can be challenging for many families who find themselves struggling through the holiday season. Farm2Kitchen is an innovative movement of farmers and producers along with companies involved in milling, processing and distribution of oats.
The Farm2Kitchen initiative brings together the best of Saskatchewan's oat producers and their families along with driven partners to fulfill a family promise this holiday season.
In 2021, Roy Klym, his wife Lois, sons Tyler and Dustin, and their families collectively made the decision to donate 40 tons of oats to support food banks and families in need. Roy and his family hope their donation will inspire others.
The donation was inspired by his time as a student at Scott Collegiate in Regina. As a value-driven family business, they wanted to give back by donating 42 metric tons of oats.
“We as a family believe in ‘field to fork.’ By partnering with other parts of the production, right here at home, we can take our modest donation and multiply the value many times over,” said Klym. “The producers I know are community-minded people and when they see a need in their community, they will stand tall to meet that need. I am sure we will see a great uptick to support the program.”
Moreover, Klym believes the connection between farm and city is more important than ever.
“I hope this tightens the connection between city and rural. This crop that you see could be on your table next month once it matures and is processed right here at home in Saskatchewan. Hopefully, it gives both sides, the producers, and the community respect for each other.”
Starting off with a donation of $300,000 of oats, their goal is to fill hungry tummies this Christmas. Farm2Kitchen starts with an initial run of 67,000 bags of oats slated to be delivered to families, schools and community organizations including the Moose Jaw Food Bank this winter. The plan is to create a long-term solution to food insecurity using food grown in Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan.
“There is no shortage of food in this world. Farm2Kitchen shows that all we need is creativity, collaboration and generosity to feed our neighbours. We need to feed over 10,000 people a month, and we are proud to use food grown in Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan,” said David Froh, vice-president, Regina Food Bank. “The goal is to expand the program. Avena Foods is recruiting producers in their network. We will provide a tax receipt and distribute the goods, ensuring this is a win-win for all involved”
Saskatchewan is Canada’s leading oat producer and our exports feed families around the world. Farm2Kitchen encourages producers to donate a portion of their oat crop and in return, receive a tax receipt and the gift of giving at such a special time of year.
Partnered with Avena Foods & CanMar, who are also donating their time and products, will clean, transport and package the oats. Then, the packages will be distributed by food banks throughout southern Saskatchewan.
Avena Foods Limited is a pulse and oat miller based in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Avena Foods partners every day with farmers and other food processors and packagers to provide safe, nutritious food around the world,” said Gord Flatten, CEO, Avena Foods. “We are happy to help feed local Saskatchewan and Manitoba families through the food bank network”.
CanMar Foods, the largest processor of food-grade flax and hemp seeds in Canada and North America, has been based out of Regina for over 15 years.
The Moose Jaw Food Bank has found a steady increase in the number of families who use the food bank over the last five to six months. “Last year we handed out 3,067 hamper boxes. This year we are predicting over 4,000 hampers,” Terri Smith, operations manager Moose Jaw Food Bank. For direct donations to the Moose Jaw Food Bank, please call 306-631-7650.
Any farmers or producers who want to donate to Farm2Kitchen can contact Avena Foods at [email protected]
