Saskatoon’s new food bank could begin construction next spring

The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre (SFBLC) has multiple facilities spread across the city and a new building would help localize all of its services under one roof.

The other buildings will close once the new food bank is built.

“We are really looking at moving all our services under one roof,” said Laurie O’Connor, the executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank. “The new location has a lot of room to do that. There are existing buildings there and we will build some new buildings as well.”

According to O’Connor, construction on the new building could start as early as next spring.

“The goal is to start construction next spring and open our doors in August of 2025,” said O’Connor.

The new building has a $12-million price tag. Last July, Nutrien donated $2.5 million to the project to help get it going.

The Saskatoon Food Bank ships and receives food for all of the food banks in Saskatchewan and the new facility would allow it to continue to do that more efficiently.

The planning of the new facility is still in the early stages and the Saskatoon Food Bank is still engaging with the community.

The new building will include a community greenhouse, classroom spaces, office spaces, and landscaped gardens.

“We are really looking forward to becoming an anchor in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood,” said O’Connor.