The Saskatoon Community Foundation has announced more than half a million dollars in grants for 18 local charities including Station 20 West, Saskatoon Friendship Inn, Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service to address issues like food security and mental health needs amplified by the pandemic.

The $629,660 in grants are part of the Emergency Community Support fund from the Government of Canada.

That fund is being implemented with agencies across Canada to direct support to charities and non-profit organizations to help combat the fallout from COVID-19.

Carm Michalenko, Saskatoon Community Foundation Executive Director, says the dollars go to help meet the needs of residents providing meals, safety equipment, public washrooms as well as crisis services.