CALGARY — The Alberta government is providing $20 million dollars over the next two years to help the province’s food banks deal with increased demand and higher inflation.

Help for food banks was part of Premier Danielle Smith’s televised speech Tuesday night.

The money is to include $10 million in direct funds over two years and an additional $10 million in matching funds for food banks, charities, not-for-profit groups and civil society organizations.

The CEO of Food Banks Alberta says the money is welcome, since demand has risen 73 per cent over the past year.

Minister of Affordability and Utilities Matt Jones rejected suggestions that announcing help now is akin to vote buying, with a provincial election set for the spring.

He says Alberta has been financially disciplined for the past three years and is now in a position to help.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2022.

The Canadian Press