CUDWORTH — As days slip into weeks, time flies by, and suddenly Christmas is only eight weeks away. With that in mind, the Cudworth Lions Club has started thinking about filling the Christmas Hampers they regularly distribute each year.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Cudworth Lions Club are once again teaming up with Cudworth Hoodoo Fire and Rescue for a Christmas Hamper Food Drive. The rescue vehicles will be travelling up and down the streets of Cudworth with their lights flashing, with volunteers collecting non-perishable food items. Cudworth residents are asked to leave non-expired food items on their doorsteps for the volunteers to pick up, or to bring them out to the street and say hello to the volunteers.
The fire and rescue volunteers will begin making their way through town, starting at 12:30 p.m. and will make two passes down every street. Food or cash donations can also be left at these local businesses: Bigway Foods, Cudworth Public Library, or Kolla Collision Centre until December 18th. All donations stay in the community, helping local families celebrate Christmas without worrying about what they can find in the cupboard to make a special meal.
Food security is a fundamental human need, and no one should have to choose between paying their bills and feeding their family, especially during the holidays. The winter months can be particularly challenging for those who are already struggling, and a little extra support can make a significant difference in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the warmth, joy, and security of regular meals.
Many families experience significant financial strain during the holidays, and the stress associated with food insecurity can hinder their ability to enjoy the season. For some, this time of year brings opportunities for shopping and bonuses, while for others, it signifies a period of scarcity. Moreover, accessing food banks can be daunting. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to social stigma or the belief that others are worse off, as noted by Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “It’s nerve-wracking to think of having to turn to the community for help when you've never had to do that before.… I think there’s a lot of courage in reaching out.”
Authors of the 2025 HungerCount report from Food Banks Canada believe that poverty and hunger are becoming “normalized” in Canada, with nearly 2.2 million visits recorded in a single month this year. Monthly visits to Canada’s food banks have doubled since 2019, and “without bold legislative action, volunteers and donations alone cannot keep pace with the relentless soaring need,” concludes a new Food Banks Canada report.
The report says one in five food bank clients is employed, compared to one in 10 in 2019, something experts say points to several social issues contributing to food insecurity. The report also highlights that one-third of food bank clients in Canada are children, and 8.3 per cent are seniors, up from 6.8 per cent in 2019. As food banks continue to shift from being a last resort to a necessity for some, the CEO of Food Banks Canada is concerned and believes the government needs to step in.
“We’ve been saying this for years. It doesn’t feel like the urgency is reaching the halls of power in Canada, and it concerns me about the food banks themselves,” said Kirstin Beardsley. “How can we absorb this infinite growth?”
In Saskatchewan, there were an average of 55,310 monthly visits to food banks, with 20,906 of those being children. This represents a 4.6 per cent increase compared to last year and a 48.6 per cent increase since 2019. The actual number of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity may be even higher, as many are deterred by the stigma associated with seeking help. Members of the Lions organization understand how challenging this situation can be, and applications for food hampers are processed with the utmost respect for privacy.
For more information or to request a hamper, contact Cudworth Lion Elizabeth at 306-256-7046 or 306-221-3020.
In Wakaw, contact Lion Rita at 306-233-4950 or 306-233-7783, or Lion Terry by texting 306-233-7909.
Food insecurity affects everyone in Saskatchewan, whether directly or indirectly. Fortunately, everyone can contribute to creating a more food-secure province. Advocate for vulnerable individuals and families, and support community-based organizations that are working to improve food security. Consider getting involved with local Lions Clubs in Cudworth, Wakaw, and Rosthern, or the Good Neighbours Food Centre in Rosthern. As you prepare to gather with family and friends, take a moment to reflect on the families who are facing hunger.
