Saskatchewan’s NDP is calling on the province to match federal support for food banks to meet what the Opposition describes as unparalleled need.

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan have written a letter indicating most of the 32 food banks across the province have a 10 to 14 day food supply and food donations are steeply dropping off.

As well over 2-thousand volunteer hours scheduled over the next month have been cancelled because of COVID-19 which is putting significant strain on remaining staff.

Food Banks of Saskatchewan or FBS also points out that nearly 21-thousand jobs were lost in March with the numbers expected to rise for April. And they expect a 25% increase in use because of the COVID-19 State of Emergency. In fact, food banks in Regina and Melfort have already seen a 40 to 50% increase.

The goal is to raise $6 million dollars to address immediate need and another $10 million for ongoing need in months to follow. Right now, they say, they need money to bulk purchase food, to deliver food hampers while maintaining safe distancing guidelines, and staff to coordinate their efforts.

They are expecting approximately 3% of the $50 million set aside by the federal government for food banks in Canada but the FBS says it doesn’t know how or when that will be paid out.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling on the province to match federal support with $1.5 million in emergency funding, and to encourage Saskatchewan people to support their local food banks with food or cash donations if possible.