Predictions of a jump in food prices, spurred by drought in the U.S., have food bank operators biting their nails.

Recent forecasts suggest the cost of staples, such as wheat, could increase by ten per cent.

Laurie O'Connor, executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank, said if there is a corresponding increase in food prices, people in need will be affected.

"People who use the food bank will be significantly affected by that," O'Connor said. "Or people who are on the cusp of not having to use the food bank at the moment may in fact have to use the food bank."

O'Connor said donations to the food bank could also be affected as shoppers look to limit the impact of higher prices.

"You and I are in the grocery store. And we're spending eighty-five dollars. And we typically donate two or three cans of soup," O'Connor said. "It might impact us because we won't have as many cans of soup in our food basket."

O'Connor said the food bank may have to increase the number of food drives and other fundraisers it does, to meet its needs.