Physicians’ donations are helping families in Saskatoon put food on the table

Physicians in Saskatoon are helping families in need put food on the table.

The Saskatoon Medical Staff Association (SMSA), which represents 1,100 physicians, donated $50,000 to the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre on Thursday.

SMSA vice-president Dr. Carla Holinaty said the organization made the donation to address some of the daily concerns physicians see, and noted it’s important to recognize that rates are increasing for those who rely on food bank services.

“We know that food insecurity is a major contributor to poor health, and as physicians, we deal with the upstream consequences of that,” she said. “We wanted to make this contribution to keep our patients fed and healthy.”

Holinaty added the donation is a small step in addressing the pieces that are important to the health-care field.

In a media release from the food bank, SMSA president Dr. Mary Kinloch said the association typically donates $15,000 to local groups annually but increased the amount for this year’s donation in response to a growing need in the Saskatoon community.

Laurie O’Connor, the food bank’s executive director, said she’s thrilled to see how supportive physicians are of the issues food banks are facing. She noted it’s important to raise awareness for those who are struggling in poverty and to recognize the “holes in the social safety net.”

“We see doctors right from med school through our doors supporting (and) finding out what’s going on in the community,” she said.

The charity is earmarking the funds to purchase more food to meet the surging demand. With the organization’s ability to buy in bulk, the funds can be stretched further, O’Connor added.

“The impact that the donation will have on our ability to purchase food for folks is unparalleled at this time of year,” she said.