Prince Edward Island is offering new funding of up to $10,000 for organizations tackling food insecurity, aiming to ease pressure on food banks and community fridge
The funds are intended to cover purchases of food for food banks, community fridges, pantries, hampers, and other programs.
Norma Dingwell, manager of the Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank in Montague, said the funding will be useful, especially for clients with special dietary needs, such as gluten-free or diabetic diets.
“This money would come in quite handy for us to help them,” Dingwell said, noting it will reduce reliance on community donations, which can be costly.
Seasonal Demand and Year-Round Challenges
Food insecurity rises as the holiday season approaches, Dingwell said, but families struggle year-round.
“Families are struggling all year long, month after month, week after week,” she said. “If we can get this money, and hopefully next year they provide another $10,000, this would help us help so many families.”
She explained that even basic items, like beef, are expensive for the food bank, costing around $3,000 every few months. With the grant, the food bank could stretch resources to meet more needs.
Students Also Benefit
Erica Kyalo, vice-president external of the UPEI Student Union, highlighted that university students face food insecurity as well.
“Students often choose between paying rent or buying groceries,” Kyalo said. The number of students using the UPEI food bank jumped from 2,890 in 2022 to almost 4,600 in 2024.
Kyalo said the extra funding will improve students’ access to food but emphasized the need for long-term support.
She hopes the initiative could evolve from a short-term, three-month funding period to a more sustainable program.
The Broader Context
The provincial grants are designed to provide immediate relief, but advocates note that food insecurity remains a year-round challenge for both families and students.
Expanding long-term funding could strengthen the impact of programs and help communities plan better for seasonal peaks and ongoing needs.
