Food affordability and access to nutritious food are ongoing issues that continue to impact individuals and families across Newfoundland and Labrador. Josh Smee, the CEO of Food First N.L., has been vocal about the challenges faced by many in the province when it comes to being able to afford a healthy diet.
According to Smee, there is a lack of government support for people to eat a nutritious diet. He highlights the increasing cost of a healthy basket of food, which has been rising annually. In 2023, the average cost to buy a nutritious basket to feed a family of four is $333 per week, an eight percent increase from the previous year, outpacing inflation rates. Smee emphasizes that food prices are growing faster than overall prices, making it a significant financial burden for many individuals and families.
The annual N.L. Nutritious Food Basket data released by the provincial government calculates the cost of following the recommended diet from the Canada Food Guide. The report shows discrepancies in the cost of purchasing nutritious food across different regions of the province. While households in eastern Newfoundland spend $317 a week, those in central Newfoundland spend $344, and on the island’s west coast, the cost rises to $363. In more rural and northern areas, such as the Northern Peninsula, the cost can reach $388 per week.
Smee points out that the cost of healthy food is higher in rural and northern regions, reflecting the challenges of the supply chain in the province. He notes that the issue is not just a short-term problem but a long-term policy challenge that needs to be addressed. Despite efforts by individuals to reduce costs through discounts and growing their food, Smee argues that the government has a crucial role to play in solving food insecurity in the long term.
One major concern highlighted by Smee is that basic income support does not cover the cost of a recommended healthy diet. This gap leads to food insecurity for many individuals who struggle to afford nutritious food. Smee emphasizes the importance of treating access to food as a human rights issue and calls for the development of policies that ensure everyone has access to a basic necessity like food.
As families face additional expenses during the back-to-school season, the rising cost of food becomes even more challenging. Smee acknowledges the government’s commitment to enroll universal school meals for students up to Grade 9 but emphasizes the need for continued support to address the root causes of food insecurity. He points out that the food retail sector in the province is heavily dominated by monopolies, and income support and wages are not keeping up with the increasing cost of food.
In conclusion, Smee’s advocacy for food affordability and access to nutritious food sheds light on the pressing issue of food insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador. By addressing systemic barriers and implementing long-term solutions, the province can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to healthy and affordable food options.
