First Bites Campaign – Together, We're Building Future Generations
The First Bites Campaign is a partnership with Canpotex throughout February, a campaign dedicated to providing nutritious and toddler-safe food for children aged 4 months to 2 years. These “First Bites” are the beginning of a lifetime of healthy eating habits. From their first tastes of solid food, children develop the foundations for lifelong nutrition, yet many families face barriers to accessing healthy and safe food options.
We’re asking the community to help us give Saskatoon’s youngest residents a nutritious start by donating non-perishable baby food items like purees, puffs, baby crackers, and shelf-stable finger foods. Monetary donations are also crucial, and Canpotex will match all monetary donations up to $50,000, doubling your impact!
Why It Matters
Children growing up in poverty often lack access to healthy, toddler-safe, and affordable food, leading to gaps in their nutrition. Early childhood is a critical period for brain and body development, and access to proper nutrition helps ensure a strong start in life. Baby bundles included in emergency food hampers help parents and caregivers provide essential nutrition—but we need your help to keep them stocked!
For families struggling to afford basic needs, baby food can be an added expense that many simply can’t manage. The ability to provide healthy and appropriate food for infants and toddlers is crucial, not just for immediate well-being but for long-term growth and development.
Ways to Get Involved
Bite-Sized Giving Challenge
Giving back doesn’t have to be big to make an impact! Follow us on Facebook throughout February and take part in our Bite-Sized Giving Challenge. Donate $10, $20, or one baby food item—small contributions from many create a huge difference! Your support helps ensure that every child in Saskatoon gets the chance to grow up with the nutrition they need.
Baby Showers for a Cause
Hosting a baby shower in February? Consider turning it into an opportunity to help families in need. Ask guests to bring baby food, and formula in place of traditional gifts. Donations can be dropped off at food bank bins in local grocery stores or directly at 202 Avenue C South. Your generosity will directly impact infants and toddlers who need support the most.
My Baby’s First Bites
Celebrate your child’s first experiences with food while supporting families in need! Share your baby’s first bites by posting photos or videos on Facebook and Instagram Tag us (@yxefoodbank) and help spread the word about the campaign, encouraging your friends and family to take part. Raising awareness is just as important as donations—together, we can make a difference.
How to Donate
Donate Baby Food Items
Drop off fruit, vegetable, and meat purees, puffs, baby crackers, and other toddler-friendly foods at food bank bins in grocery stores or stop by 202 Avenue C South. These donations go directly into baby bundles to support families who rely on emergency food hampers.
Monetary Donations
Every dollar donated in February will be matched by Canpotex up to $50,000. Double your impact by donating online at saskatoonfoodbank.org/donate or dropping off cash or cheques at 202 Avenue C South. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of children in our community.
“Together, we’re building future generations.”
Join us this February and help ensure that Saskatoon’s parents and caregivers can access the healthy start their toddlers deserve!