Trudeau urges younger Canadians to help food banks cope with extra demands.Ottawa—Food banks across the country are in line for a share of $100 million from the federal government to help Canadians struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced.Food banks “are on the front lines - making sure people get essential food-support in their time of need,” he said.Food Banks Canada will receive $50 million while $20 million will be evenly divided among Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, the Breakfast Club of Canada and the Salvation Army to work “with local partners to meet urgent and increased food needs,” he said. “The last $30 million will be allocated later to fill the gaps and respond to further needs.”He also urged all MPs “to reach out to their local food banks to make sure they are connected to one of the five partners.”“Canadians working in all parts of our food supply chain are stepping-up during this extraordinary time,” he said. “Farmers, folks working in food processing plants, truckers, clerks in grocery stores and obviously volunteers in food banks are all proud members of a critical infrastructure: the food supply chain.“If you are healthy and available, consider joining them. Helping Canadians access healthy food is something we all care about.”Job losses because of the pandemic “are increasing the number of Canadians who struggle to access food - and is having a major impact on the operations of local food organizations,” he said.As a result, food banks “are being forced to adapt by finding younger volunteers, minimizing interpersonal contact and offering home deliveries.” They “are facing an increased demand for their services, and added pressure from shortages in donations and volunteers. Now more than ever, they need our support to continue offering the services Canadians rely on to feel safe and healthy.”The money will also enable food banks “to buy or rent equipment and other materials to help address the unique needs of the communities they serve and the health-related challenges presented by COVID-19.”In 2019, there were 1.1 million visits to food banks and 5.6 million meals served on average each month. It is expected that visits to food banks will increase significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“Without additional support, COVID-19 will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations who are facing challenges dealing with the health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic,” Trudeau said. “Risks of stress and hardship are expected to rise as people become unable to access the social and community supports on which they usually rely.”Eligible activities for this new funding include the purchase of food, support for the transportation and distribution of food, hiring temporary help to fill volunteer shortages, and activities to implement biosecurity measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.