Independent MHA Paul Lane says he’s sorry to learn that Food First NL’s Food Helpline—set up as a pilot project during the pandemic—is coming to a close due to a lack of long-term funding.

A telephone “warm line” was added soon after and a direct food aid program which provided gift cards, meals, hamper deliveries and taxi chits was also added to the service.

Food First NL says the Community Food Helpline has served more than 11,000 clients from more than 80 communities by providing information and access to food.

Lane says it’s unfortunate that the service is coming to an end as food security concerns grow.

He’s disappointed to see a program like that fall to the wayside, “and makes you question government’s priorities.”