Producers donate oats to the program, which are then packaged and distributed through schools and community centres
When Roy Klym was growing up, he attended high school at Scott Collegiate in Regina.
Now, decades later, he’s decided to give back to his former high school, and to all of Regina.
While listening to the radio one day, Klym heard a story of the late Theresa Stevenson’s Chili for Children program, which feeds many hungry students at Regina schools, including Scott Collegiate.
“And it just got me thinking this lady was really brilliant for two reasons: because she identified that education is the path to a brighter future,” Klym said. “Secondly, that children don’t learn on empty stomachs.”
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Stevenson’s story inspired Klym to give back. As the owner of RoLo Farms and Condie Seeds in Regina, Klym knew he could help through food.
“Rather than just, say, writing a cheque for the value of the oats, we were able to bring in partners in the cleaning, the processing, and the bagging and then return to food banks during the distribution, we were able to multiply the value of the donation 20 times,” he said.
Klym and his family donated 40 tonnes of oats to the Regina Food Bank in the spring.
David Froh, a vice-president at the organization, said the Regina Food Bank feeds more than 10,000 people each month.
“We knew when Roy came with a donation that we’re onto something, and it could be something big, and that we couldn’t let the generosity go to waste,” Froh said.
As a result, Farm2Kitchen was born. Launched in December 2021, the program allows producers to donate a portion of their oat crop. In return, the producer receives a tax credit. Avena Foods and CanMar will clean, package and transport the oats. Then, in January, all the oats will be donated throughout the city to different schools, community centres and families.
Gord Flaten, chief executive officer of Avena Foods, said food banks are a great service.
“And we and the other partners in the project want to do something to help the communities that we live in.”
Flaten said it’s important for farmers to donate to those in need.
“We do want to make sure that people do have nutritious food to eat and oats is one of the food products that can certainly provide that.”
Froh said the initiative not only helps feed Regina people in need, but it also helps remind people where their food comes from.
“I think generosity is in the DNA of farm families,” said Froh. “The need is real, and it’s huge.”
Klym echoed this statement and said that helping feed the city and connecting people back to the farm is a win-win.
“There’s a great disconnect with people of where their food comes from…. It comes from the farmers. I’m hoping to make that connection that the food that they are eating is actually coming from a producer just outside the city.”
