YORKTON — As food insecurity continues to rise across the region, the Yorkton Community Fridge and Pantry is urging residents and businesses to help keep emergency food available for those who need it most.
Located in the main parking lot of SIGN at 345 Broadway St. W., the volunteer-led initiative operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing completely low-barrier emergency food relief with no questions asked.
While the fridge frequently sits empty due to immense local demand, project volunteer Martha Gares said empty shelves are a reminder of just how heavily the service is being used.
“It’s normal for community fridges to have periods where they’re empty, and we know that food services in Yorkton and the surrounding area can't meet the demand,” Gares explained. “If the fridge were always full, it would likely mean the need isn’t as high.”
Because the initiative operates as a low-barrier mutual aid project, residents can easily drop off items directly into the fridge or pantry shelves at any time, provided the fridge remains at a safe temperature.
Organizers highlighted several practical ways community members can help reduce waste while supporting neighbours in need.
Pantry cleanouts are encouraged, with canned goods still within expiry dates accepted at any time. Residents are also encouraged to share surplus groceries from bulk purchases, such as portions of large bags of potatoes or produce.
Local gardeners can donate excess fresh produce from seasonal harvests.
Even individually packaged snacks from opened boxes — such as granola bars — can be donated if they remain sealed and clearly labelled with ingredients and expiry dates.
Restaurants can also contribute unsold prepared food items, including sandwiches, at the end of the business day if they have been properly stored, packaged and labelled.
Gares emphasized that donations do not need to be large to make a difference.
“For the average person or business, it can just be about sharing what might otherwise go to waste,” she said.
Strict food safety guidelines apply to commercial donations and prepared meals. Cooked meats and prepared dishes are only accepted if they are made in a licensed kitchen by a Food Safe-certified individual. Items must also be clearly labelled with the facility name, date and ingredients.
The fridge cannot accept home canning, homemade food, raw meat, raw seafood, alcohol, medications, clothing or expired food packages.
Larger food donations require advance co-ordination through info@yorktonfridge.ca.
The Yorkton Community Fridge also serves as part of the Yorkton Food Security Committee, a collaborative network of local food providers, farmers, non-profit organizations and business owners working to strengthen food security across the region.
Residents interested in helping directly can also volunteer by signing up for one of the two daily cleaning shifts required to maintain the facility.
How to help financially
Beyond food drop-offs and volunteer shifts, the organization also accepts financial support.
Because the fridge operates as a grassroots mutual aid initiative rather than a registered charity, it cannot issue tax receipts. Organizers noted, however, that all financial contributions go directly toward food purchases because the operation is entirely volunteer-run.
Financial contributions can be sent by e-transfer to info@yorktonfridge.ca.
Businesses and individuals looking to make a larger impact can also sign up for monthly sponsorships with a minimum donation of $300.
Those funds help stock shelves through an internal volunteer cooking team that prepares essential items such as soups, sandwiches, vegetable bags and muffins.
