NDP call for additional support for community groups making food affordable as groceries prices rise

HALIFAX— Following a recent report that estimates grocery prices will rise by $1000 next year for the average family, NDP MLA Susan Leblanc wrote to PC ministers calling on them to deliver stable, predictable funding for community groups providing affordable food to Nova Scotians.

In the letter to the ministers of Opportunities and Social Development and Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Leblanc called for a transparent plan for proceeds from the sale of American products in the NSLC. The Houston government has indicated the profits would go to community organizations but there’s been no information about which organizations will benefit or when, leaving community groups –and those who depend on them –concerned.

“Nova Scotians are paying through the nose for power bills, rent, and the cost of childcare is often double what parents are paying in other Canadian cities,” said Leblanc. “Instead of doing everything possible to help Nova Scotians manage their rising costs, the Houston government refused to give folks a rebate to lower their power bills and dropped 46,000 people from the heating assistance rebate program. Now food prices are set to rise and folks feel even more like they’re under-water financially.

“Community groups are filling the gaps left by this government but they don’t have funding beyond next year. The government needs to tell them what’s going on so that they can continue their important work in our province.”

Since Tim Houston became premier, the number of Nova Scotians living in poverty has increased by 59 per cent and the number of Nova Scotians going to food banks has increased by 62 per cent. With a pending rate hike from Nova Scotia Power and the news that food costs will continue to rise, it is likely that more families will need support.

“Family budgets are especially tight this time of year but groups like the Mobile Food Market in Dartmouth North provide quality, healthy food year-round,” said Leblanc. “While families reach out for the help they need, community food groups are looking ahead and they just don’t know if they’ll be there to help next year. The Houston government let them know what funding they can expect because communities can’t afford to lose these hardworking organizations and the vital work they do.”

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