An increase to the demand for food across the province, due to COVID-19, has seen the 32 food banks across Saskatchewan launch a $6 million dollar campaign.

Laurie O’Connor Executive Director, with Food Banks of Saskatchewan says thousands of people will be visiting for the first time. She ensured people that if they need the food bank they can turn to the food bank, but with that increase in usage they will require more sources.

O’Connor says food banks are seeing a decrease in food donations and are having to buy food in bulk to accommodate. Adding that a $100 donation will feed two families for a week and $400 will put food on the plates of eight families.

O’Connor says that the Saskatoon Food Bank has closed a number of programs and only has the emergency food hamper program open. They also hope to be able to provide more food for a longer period of time in the hampers to prevent people from needing to come back or wait around.

Proceeds raised during the $6-million dollar campaign will go towards the increased cost of having to purchase bulk foods in lieu of receiving donations.

For more on the campaign click here.