With Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, the Saskatoon Food Bank is drawing the public’s attention to Giving Tuesday.

The day is happening in conjunction with the food bank’s Light it Up Campaign. Executive Director Laurie O’Connor says it’s one of their biggest donation drives all year.

“A large per cent of our operating budget come from donations, of course throughout the year, but people really are thinking about the charities they support during the holiday season.”

O’Connor says feeding the community wouldn’t be possible with the generosity of Saskatoon residents, organizations and businesses. UFCW Local 649 opened the gates with a $10,000 donation this morning.

“We’d love to see that matched. Giving Tuesday has become such an important part of organizations like ours.”

She adds that about 23,000 people visit the food bank each month looking for nutritious meals to fill their pantry, such as soups, stews, rice, pasta and canned proteins.

“When we’re thinking about families at this time of the year, folks trying to make a Christmas meal, or have a nice holiday season, we know that’s going to put pressure on people’s budgets.”

Donations can be made at bins at the grocery store, on the food bank’s website, or in person at the building on Avenue C.