Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili is asking the provincial government to match federal support for food banks and to urge Saskatchewan people to support their local food bank with donations if possible.

Meili says that while other provinces have supported food banks, there has been no support from the Saskatchewan government.

He added he is hoping that the province will match the $1.5 million being given by the federal government to help keep food banks stocked.

“That’s why we’re asking for that very simple first step, commit to the $1.5 million for Saskatchewan food banks,” said Meili. “Then work with those on the front lines to make sure all of the needs are being met, and that the province is doing everything they can to make sure people who are struggling are able to get through this and be ok.”

Saskatchewan Food Banks have started a campaign to try and raise $6 million in addition to the estimated $1.5 million in emergency support from the federal government.

Meili says that the economic impact of COVID-19 has resulted in some families looking for help to feed themselves.

“We’ve got a situation where families are coming to that point, maybe a point they’ve never had to before, of needing help and having to go to the food bank,” said Meili. “They may arrive there and find out that there’s no food for them, that they will actually have to go home empty-handed.”

Meili added that there has been a steep drop-off in food donations and a spike in usage by 40 to 50 percent, and he says its time for the province to come in and help.

“What we’re asking today, is for the province to step up and match those federal dollars, bring in $1.5 million dollars from the province to match and get to half of the goal for the food bank,” said Meili. “So that when people are at that point in their lives when they need to go for help, they’re actually able to get it.”

Anyone wishing to make donations to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan can do so at skfoodbanks.ca