Delton Sylvain of Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries said they are having to do more with less. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

rising prices

Inflation impacting non-profit operations

May 7, 2026 | 4:17 PM

Non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan are feeling the pinch when it comes to inflation.

Staff with Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries have noticed the impact of inflation to the services they provide to residents of the city. The organization, which depends on donations and grants, operates a soup kitchen, food bank, daycare, housing services, a free transportation system, and a homeless shelter.

“Unfortunately, we have experienced a lot of donors withdrawing from donating, and we also have other people who used to give certain amounts of money just decreasing the amount of money they are giving out,” said executive director Delton Sylvain.

“We don’t have enough food in the food bank, we are running low on supplies, and the demand is going up. Also, the soup kitchen, the amount of people coming for breakfast and for lunch is just crazy. I think we are at the point where we can’t meet people’s expectations because the demand is so much. That’s how I can see inflation is affecting us.”

For instance, when Sylvain made a $15,000 food order at the end of 2025, he noticed they received far less than food than what the amount of money would have previously provided. He said the food lasted only two weeks.

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“We are still doing operational changes,” he explained.

“We are still talking internally just to make sure we are doing what’s right for the whole.”

Boreal Animal Rescue located in La Ronge has also been affected by inflation. One of the highest costs for the organization is gasoline, which has risen in price from $1.249/L in February to 1.919/L in April.

“It affects us in such a big way because we are mobile, so the fuel is literally what keeps us moving and being able to respond to calls and animals in need,” said founder Chelsie Breeze.

“Animals all over the place right now are facing significant challenges due to the rising fuel costs.”

For example, Breeze will be travelling to Cochrane, Alta., next week to transport four dogs and four cats. The animal rescue was originally supposed to meet Breeze halfway, but she will now be travelling the entire distance with even more animals than originally planned because of the cost of fuel.

We just want to thank the community for their continued support,” she remarked.

“Without their donations of materials to help us manage rising costs, we couldn’t do this without all the people and volunteers who selflessly and generously donate their time and their own fuel and their own money and their own mileage to help us move dogs around the province and out of province.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Inflation impacting non-profit operations

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