Rising food costs creating hardships for Manitobans

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This article was published 29/10/2021 (581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’ve been to a grocery store in recent months, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of food has gone up significantly. This is largely due to the supply chain disruptions and inflation caused by the pandemic, with overall food prices increasing by 3.9 per cent in the last year. For products such as meat, the cost has gone up almost 10 per cent, and products like oils and margarine have increased by 18.5 per cent.

These prices have hit many Notre Dame residents especially hard, such as low-income families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes, so I want to highlight some of the supports available in the community to help out folks who are struggling to access enough nutritious food for themselves and their families.

Organizations such as the The NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre have been a vital support for many people in our community, especially during the pandemic. They offer several food support programs open to all people in need, without asking for personal information. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they offer free, nutritious take-out lunches from noon to 1:30 p.m. and suppers on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.norwestcoop.ca/community-food-centre/

This Centre relies entirely on donations to keep its doors open, so if you are able and willing, you could consider donating your money or time as a volunteer to help support this great organization and our community.

The Keewatin/Inkster Neighbourhood Resource Council for Seniors is another great organization that offers a weekly pick-up lunch on Thursdays at noon for a low price. This organization supports independent living among seniors by connecting them with programs, services and community. KINRC is also holding a fundraiser on Dec. 13 and 14 to provide 170 older adults with a free holiday meal. To register for the Thursday meal, receive other support, or sign up for the fundraiser, call KINRC at 204-774-3085.

To help Manitobans experiencing food insecurity, the NDP has called on the Progressive Conservative government to implement a universal nutrition program in schools, increase the minimum wage, and employment and income assistance to address the hardships many vulnerable Manitobans are facing.

While we have amazing organizations that help support Manitobans impacted by food insecurity, I will always continue pushing the government to do more to help Manitobans in need.

If you need help with access additional supports, please don’t hesitate to contact my office anytime at 204-788-0800 or  by emailing malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca

Malaya Marcelino
Notre Dame constituency report

Malaya Marcelino is the NDP MLA for Notre Dame.

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