Food First NL is looking to improve food access around the province with the help of food retailers.

The non-profit organization says its new project, Great Things in Store, will form partnerships with shops to seek out solutions to food insecurity.

The cost of living is rising, and CEO Josh Smee says this project is all about removing barriers and supporting retailers in doing so.

Food retailers that want to participate will receive funding, staff support from Food First NL and access to a wide variety of expertise to create a food-related project that will greater support their community.

Smee says that could mean changing stores around, helping with supply chain issues, and community consultations. He says what stores come up with can be flexible, but the goal is to find ideas that the organization can strengthen with retailers.

He says rising costs mean more people depend on their local shops because it’s not as affordable to travel to get food.