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Roland Butler, Opposition Critic for Human Resources, Labour and Employment
and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, is asking Minister Joan Burke
whether she is concerned about the impact higher milk prices will have on
the nutrition of young children in this province, and if so what actions
will she take to address the situation. The price of milk was increased
recently by eight cents a litre, putting a two litre carton of Milk in the
vicinity of $3.29, while other less healthy drinks such as soft drinks are
becoming much cheaper to purchase.
"We have had several reports issued over the past few months which have
indicated that there are thousands of children who live in poverty in this
province," said Mr. Butler. "These reports have also confirmed that these
children may not be getting the healthy food they need on a daily basis.
This recent increase in milk prices compounds this problem and should be
addressed."
The Liberal MHA says the increase in milk prices gives added urgency to a
review released last year (Feb. 12, 2004) by the Newfoundland and Labrador
Food Security Network, which investigated the ability of people with low
incomes in this province to afford sufficient, nutritious food. The work was
a collaboration of information from the Dietitians of Newfoundland and
Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health Association and the
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers.
The report recommended that government:
Implement the Provincial Food and Nutrition Strategy and resource
this strategy to allow for its effective implementation.
Broaden the scope of the Food and Nutrition Strategy Committee to
include other government departments and key community stakeholders to
address food security in our province.
Promote policies that support and protect the affordability of basic
food staples in all areas of the province.
Continue the Newfoundland Nutritious Food Basket survey annually and
include Labrador in the next survey along with the island portion of the
province.
Annually index the minimum wage to the cost of living.
Modify income support rates to provide an income that allows all
people on income support to purchase adequate nutritious food and meet
their other basic needs.
Support school meal programs in all areas of the province.
"If the price of nutritious food continues to climb, it is incumbent upon
government to help children have access to these necessities. Government
should evaluate their current programs to determine if there is anything
available to subsidize the growing cost associated with foods such as milk.
If no solution can be found, maybe it is time to consider creating a
subsidization program for low income families that will help alleviate the
costs associated with providing healthy meals to their families."
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