For years, we sourced wild duck and goose meat from a local Saskatchewan outfitter for a specialized, natural food project. Along the way, we realized something profound: there was an incredible surplus of high-quality protein available through these outfitters that could be used to help tackle human food insecurity. With that mission in mind, we founded Nature’s Food Bank Inc. Today, we are building a dedicated network of certified Saskatchewan outfitters to channel this wholesome, surplus protein directly to those who need it most. Our journey began in September 2023 with just two outfitters and a modest 590 kg (1,300 lbs) of meat. In just over two years, we have scaled to 11 outfitters, recovering more than 13,600 kg (30,000 lbs) of meat and supporting 15 different community organizations across the province.
Currently, the 188 members of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters rely on foreign hunters for over 80% of their business. These hunters rarely take their harvested birds home with them and outfitters are required to find a home for the meat, but may not sell or barter any part of a migratory bird.
As a result, a large amount of quality protein is available for the cost of collection and distribution. Persons identifying as First Nation make up more than 80% of individuals helped by both the Emergency Wellness Centre and the Saskatoon Food Bank. Many of these individuals are familiar with wild bird meat and are happy to receive it.
Building on what we have accomplished in the last three years, Nature’s Food Bank has a plan to grow our annual capacity to 13,600 kg / 30,000 lbs per year. In pursuit of this goal, we are establishing a capital fund which will allow us to set up a physical location in Saskatoon’s inner city to house growing freezer capacity, jerky processing and, most importantly, direct-to-public distribution.