St. John’s, N.L. (November 1, 2024) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, is calling for urgent action to address Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing food insecurity crisis, as food banks across the province are forced to cut back amid soaring demand and inflationary pressures.

“This month, due to rising costs and increased demand, the Stephenville food bank was forced to reduce hamper sizes just to stay operational, highlighting a dire situation," said Wakeham.

"Now, food banks across the province are speaking out about the surging need and their struggle to keep up. Staff and volunteers are being forced to cut back on what they provide to those in need, while the Furey Liberals turn a blind eye to a food insecurity crisis affecting thousands of families and seniors in our province.”

Bridges to Hope food bank in St. John’s projects a 30 per cent increase in usage this year. According to new data released by Food Banks Canada, food bank visits have risen by 50 per cent since 2021, and 30 per cent of Canadian food banks have run out of food. The Seniors’ Advocate reported last fall that 32 per cent of seniors did not have enough income to meet their financial needs. Rising costs, driven in part by the costly Liberal carbon tax, continue to push food prices higher and put extra pressure on food banks that are already stretched thin.

Wakeham stressed while food banks play a vital role in addressing hunger today, they cannot solve the long-term issues driving food insecurity.

“It’s heartbreaking that our children are going to school hungry, and our seniors are living on toast and tea. People deserve better. This Liberal government must step up and provide real relief.”

A PC government led by Tony Wakeham would commit to making life more affordable by implementing a new Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy. This is in addition to a comprehensive review of all provincial taxes and fees, with the goal to reduce or eliminate those that hit people the hardest. This includes fighting against the Liberal carbon tax and Furey’s sugar tax, which further burden struggling families and food banks.