The need for food is intense right now.

That, from Food First NL President, Josh Smee, who says front line workers at food banks and meal programs are feeling the strain of increased need for services and the rising price of food.

Smee says they’ve seen demand for food jump in the last couple of months, sometimes by 100 per cent, which is putting a lot of pressure on the system.

He explains that one reason for the increase in need is typical during this time of year. He says during the winter months some are faced with the difficult decision between food or heat. He says many opt to pay their heat bills and reach out to food groups for support.

Smee also points to the rising cost of food which is putting pressure on household income, combined with the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inflation is at an 18-year high, which is affecting the grocery bill of households across the province. Smee says before the pandemic one in six households in Newfoundland and Labrador were food insecure.

Smee says we will never solve food insecurity with meal programs or food banks. He says incomes need to increase to match the rising cost of food. He points to conversations surrounding a universal basic income as well as the upcoming minimum wage review as a way to combat food insecurity.