The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre is about to see donations decline, while demand for its services increases.
People are often busy over the summer and less likely to think about donating to the non-profit organization, according to food bank executive director Laurie O’Connor.
READ MORE: Record number of people using Saskatoon Food Bank
“They’re going on vacation, they’re going to the lake, so their regular habits are perhaps, interrupted,” said O’Connor said.
Once kids are out of school, demand at Saskatoon’s food bank increases because school meal programs are put on hold.
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In the 2015-16 school year, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools served about 76,000 breakfasts, 142,000 lunches and 282,400 snacks in its meal program.
Saskatoon Public Schools served approximately 10,000 breakfasts and 23,000 lunches in September alone.
To help address the summertime slump, Food Banks Canada launched its third annual Every Plate Full national fundraiser on May 23.
The social media campaign encourages people to donate online to support food banks across Canada.
Every dollar donated can purchase about three meals for people in need, according to Food Banks Canada manager of annual giving and strategic initiatives Graham Hill.
“For us at Food Banks Canada, we receive large, national bulk donations, which then we can move out across the country efficiently through some of our corporate sponsors and corporate transportation providers,” Hill said.
READ MORE: Students learn about nutrition at Saskatoon Food Bank
People can still help the Saskatoon Food Bank by volunteering their time, like a group from Corby Wine and Spirit did Friday.
“We’re here to help out and everybody out there should take some time and at least give a little bit, whether it’s time or effort or what have you,” said Mike McPhail, Corby’s director of sales.
The Every Plate Full Campaign runs until June 9.