MOOSE JAW — In response to rising costs of living and through its bi-annual Caring for the Community Fund, the Moose Jaw Co-op has donated $20,000 in store food credit to the Community Lunch Program, thereby providing nutritious weekend meals for residents facing food insecurity concerns.
The recent donation was approved during the Co-op’s fall review in 2024 and took place on the week of Feb. 10.
“Moose Jaw Co-op is proud to support the Community Lunch Program with a $20,000 donation to help continue their important work,” said Michaela Turner, the Co-op’s community and employee engagement manger.
The Community Lunch Program has been a cornerstone in addressing hunger within Moose Jaw by providing essential meals to those facing food insecurity. With the rising cost of living and ongoing economic challenges, the demand for services like this have continued to increase.
Every weekend, dedicated volunteers and community organizations meet at St. Aidan’s Church to prepare and serve warm meals that provide comfort, connection, and support for those in need through the Community Lunch Program.
The recent $20,000 donation underscores the Co-op’s dedication to supporting local initiatives and is significant as it enables the program to continue its mission.
The Moose Jaw Co-op is well known for its community involvement including its annual “Good Buy to Hunger” campaign that raised $12,126.72 in 2024 providing an estimated 475 daily lunches in 18 local schools, a donation of health care products to Dr. Brown and the Moose Jaw International Medical Mission this month, and a $10,000 donation to help the Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre complete its renovation project.
The Co-op also hosts the annual Co-op Community Spaces Program that offers funding for community infrastructure projects. The 2025 application window remains open until Monday, Mar. 3, with further details available at MooseJawCo-op.crs/Sites/MooseJaw.
It was through this ongoing involvement that the Co-op first learned about the Community Lunch Program.
“Our partnership with this group began with our ‘Project Shine’ initiative, where many of our team members volunteered their time to prepare and serve lunches and learn about the group and the (challenges faced by the community), but also to show empathy and understanding for those who are struggling,” Turner said.
“Food and housing insecurity is a challenge our community faces, and especially during the harsh winter months the need is elevated,” she noted. “Supporting initiatives like this aligns with our commitment to caring for the communities we serve, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping to make a difference.”
Local charities and non-profits looking for additional support can find detailed information about the Fund with application forms on the Moose Jaw Co-op website under the “Community Support” section. Applying for funding not only provides financial assistance, but also contributes to a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for Moose Jaw’s residents.
To qualify, each organization must be a registered Co-op member. Applications should include a comprehensive package including project plans, approvals, pricing quotes, and supporting visuals, Turner explained.
Applications are accepted during two intake periods each year, and the Member Relations Board reviews all submissions and forwards its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. These intake periods happen each year on April 30 and Aug. 31.
“Depending on the project, we may also participate in events like grand openings or milestone celebrations to highlight the impact of the initiative and showcase the positive difference it makes in our community,” Turner added.
For more information about the Moose Jaw Co-op visit MooseJawCo-op.crs/Sites/MooseJaw or follow ‘Moose Jaw Co-op’ on Facebook.
