Saskatoon students fight food waste to support those in need

A student-led initiative at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is tackling food waste and food insecurity in Saskatoon.

Giving FWRD (Food Waste Reduction), a project under Enactus U of S, has been working to rescue surplus food and turn it into nutritious meals for those in need.

“Our mission is to rescue surplus food and repurpose it into nutritious meals for individuals in need. In the 2024-2025 year alone, we have provided 320 meals and saved over 135.571 kg of food waste from going to landfills,” Giving FWRD project manager Marium Baig told CTV News.

Baig said they have expanded their impact by providing menstrual kits and hygiene kits to support individuals experiencing period poverty.

On Feb. 16, Giving FWRD will host its “biggest event yet” at Crocus Co-operative.

“This event is particularly special for Enactus USask as it marks our final community initiative before Enactus Regionals in March. We’re excited to collaborate with CHEP, who will be providing a chef to help prepare meals and have generously donated 100 pounds (45 kg) of potatoes for this event,” Baig said.

Attendees will also participate in meal preparation, assemble menstrual and hygiene kits, and engage with the community.

Baig says Giving FWRD’s goal is to create nutrition-filled meals and incorporate Indigenous culture and food into their meal preparation.

According to Baig, the initiative is making a tangible impact in the community and raising awareness about the importance of food waste reduction.