Fitted out with a fridge, this community pantry tackles food security at the neighbourhood level

After receiving a call from the owners of a St. John's apartment complex in early fall, Paula Elliott found herself at the helm of an exciting new project: a community-led public pantry and fridge.

"They felt there was a critical need in the community and wanted to assist in some way", said Elliott, the property manager for Park Plaza Apartments, which is off Newfoundland Drive in the city's east end. 

The apartments are a relatively new addition in the Virginia Park neighbourhood, a mixed-income area of the city that includes a diverse range of housing. 

Among them are people who are all too familiar with the pressure of the rising cost of food and other necessities. 

"The owners recognized that there were difficulties because of the high-cost of living and the increasing cost of groceries. So, it's more difficult for individuals and families to afford essential needs," said Regan Mahoney, a representative at Regal Realty, who helps oversee the building's management. 

With soaring food prices and an overall increase in the cost of living, many individuals and households are stretched thin.

According to the recently released Canada's Food Price Report – a closely watched annual document on the food industry – food prices for a family of four are expected to cost just over $16,000 next year, or about $1,333 monthly

Penny by penny or dollar by dollar, the rise in prices coupled with stagnant incomes pinches wallets, making constraints palpable. 

"Things like peanut butter – you know, a staple in so many homes – has gone from an average price of $3.99 to $7.99," said Elliott. 

"Soups that used to be 59 cents are almost $3. And our incomes don't go up. I mean it's nice that there are initiatives with the governments and local supports that can offer one time fixes, but that's a one time fix. Groceries happen every week. Gas happens every week."

The impact of this trend extends across demographic groups. For seniors, the economic reality that has now taken root, can mean making discouraging choices. "The tenants here at Park Plaza, many of them are retirees on fixed incomes", said Elliott. "They know how much is coming in. So they budget for what's going out. But if milk is $6 now a carton, then they're probably doing without milk."

Shelley Byrne, an elderly resident at Park Plaza Apartments, said nutritious food often costs more than unhealthier options.

"Even when I shop myself, if I want to pick up a salad for this evening for my supper, you're looking at almost $10 for a salad," Byrne said.

"So how do you expect the family with one income, or even two sometimes, to pick these healthy foods out?"