Food banks in Saskatchewan have proven to be essential in the province during the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes the “home for the holidays” campaign more important this year.

After the Saskatoon food bank had to close due to COVID-19 last week, executive director for the Food Banks of Saskatchewan Laurie O’Connor says it shows how much of an impact the pandemic has had on food banks.

“What we see is that communities rely on their food banks to be able to be open,” O’Connor said. “When the largest city in this province’s food bank is closed many are looking to us to understand what folks in this community might have done in the absence of the food bank.

“It has really shone a light on the need for this service going forward.”

The food bank COVID-19 closure coincided with the launch of the “home for the holidays” campaign. The Food Banks of Saskatchewan organization is hoping people who are missing out on holiday events can donate what they normally spend this time of year to help a family in need.

O’Connor says the holiday season is usually an important time for food banks across the province.

“This year, we deemed it ‘home for the holidays’ because we know most people are going to be staying home this year,” O’Connor said. “It’s a little play-on-words to try and spark people’s generosity.”

O’Connor says it’s important for food banks to stay open, especially during a pandemic.

“Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve seen people in the province of Saskatchewan come and stand alongside us and really are concerned about where their friends and nieghbours who might be struggling are going to find their next meal,” O’Connor said. “Food banks are providing that for families across this province.”

Nutrien kicked off the campaign with a $250,000 cash donation.