Avery Macrey / CTV News
Two prominent figures in Atlantic Canada's food industry, Michael McCain of Maple Leaf Foods and Blair Hyslop of Mrs. Dunsters Inc., recently participated in a luncheon to discuss food insecurity. The event, held in Hanwell, New Brunswick, also featured Alex Boyd, CEO of Greener Village. The focus was on shedding light on food security issues, poverty reduction, and their economic implications for New Brunswickers.
The conversation aimed to raise awareness about the widespread problem of food insecurity in Canada, with one in five Canadians, and even more in New Brunswick, experiencing food insecurity. McCain emphasized the importance of supporting food relief and charity programs in the short term while working towards addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
A significant factor contributing to food insecurity is the high cost of food at grocery stores. Many Canadians are participating in a boycott of Loblaws-owned stores in May to protest high prices. McCain stressed that while food inflation is a contributing factor, it is not the sole cause of food insecurity, which is a global issue.
Both McCain and Hyslop discussed the challenges their companies face in providing affordable options to consumers due to rising commodity prices. Hyslop highlighted the significant increases in costs for ingredients and packaging over the past few years, leading to the need for price adjustments. Despite efforts to navigate these challenges, both executives acknowledged the ongoing struggle to balance costs and maintain affordability for consumers.
The luncheon also marked the launch of Greener Village's THRIVE Campaign, aimed at building the region's first Perishable Food Rescue Centre in Fredericton. The fundraising goal for the project is $6.3 million, with nearly $4.6 million already raised. The province has provided additional support of nearly $1 million for the initiative. Boyd expressed excitement about the progress made towards realizing the food rescue center and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing food security issues.
Overall, the luncheon provided a platform for industry leaders and advocates to discuss strategies for addressing food insecurity, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to create meaningful change.
