Saskatchewan economy shows strength as inflation pressures hit local food bank

Scruby said the food bank is averaging about 1,200 hampers a month, compared with roughly 700 a month when he started at the organization in 2017. In some recent months, usage has climbed close to 1,500 hampers. One hamper can feed about three people.

He said the pressure is not tied to food prices alone.

“It’s the combination of a lot of things,” Scruby said. “We can all see at the grocery store food inflation, how much that’s going up, but things like gas, rents continue to go up. It’s a combination of everything right now.”

The food bank has not had to turn anyone away, Scruby said, thanks to support from the local community, grocery stores and other donors. Still, he said keeping shelves stocked can be more challenging in summer, when donations often slow down.

Recent events, including summer barbecues, have helped, and Scruby said a significant food donation shared by Prince Albert Grand Council is also making a difference. Garden produce is expected to increase in the coming weeks, with some gardeners growing specifically for the food bank and others donating extra potatoes and vegetables.

Beyond inflation, the report showed a mixed provincial picture, with strength in parts of the economy but continued pressure in the labour market.

Job growth softened from both the previous month and the same time last year. Unadjusted employment stood at 626,400 in July, down from 632,500 in June and 628,800 in July 2025. The unemployment rate rose to 6.4 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent in June and 5.5 per cent a year earlier.

Youth unemployment remained the highest among age groups, at 12.1 per cent for workers aged 15 to 24. The Prince Albert and Northern economic region also saw employment decline by 3.2 per cent year over year on a three-month moving average basis.

Retail sales rose 1.3 per cent year over year to $2.5 billion in May, while year-to-date retail sales were up 0.6 per cent, trailing the national increase of 3.4 per cent.

Agriculture showed a split picture. Cattle prices remained well above last year’s levels, with feeder cattle up 20.1 per cent and calves up 23.9 per cent in June, while several crop prices, including durum, oats, lentils and dry peas, were lower.

Housing and construction figures were also mixed. Building permits fell 9.8 per cent in May and were down 6.1 per cent year to date, while dwelling starts rose 44.6 per cent in the second quarter compared with a year earlier.

For Scruby, the provincial data reflects a reality already visible at the food bank: stronger numbers in parts of the economy do not erase the strain higher everyday costs are placing on local households.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Saskatchewan economy shows strength as inflation pressures hit local food bank

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