Gift cards are playing a bigger role in the way in which food banks are helping to offer support to the community.

Josh Smee is the CEO of Food First NL.

He says food banks are facing added challenges during the pandemic with increased demand and important health restrictions placed on operations, practices, and volunteers.

More and more, says Smee, food banks are making use of donations used to provide gift cards to those who need the help.

The logistics involving gift cards can be simpler than putting together a food hamper at this difficult time, according to Smee.