Rising Milk Prices in Canada's Maritime Provinces Impact Food Banks

According to a report by Field Agent Canada, the cost of milk in Canada's Maritime provinces has risen by 5.5% since 2024. These increases are particularly notable in regions such as Charlottetown, where a four-litre container of 2% milk costs just under $9.25, making it the most expensive in the country.

The Glace Bay Food Bank in Nova Scotia has been directly affected by these rising costs. Linda MacRae, the coordinator of the food bank, noted that donations of milk have decreased significantly, with contributions now being limited to smaller quantities. 'People aren’t coming in with cases of product anymore,' she said.

Mickey McNeil, who organizes an annual milk drive in Dominion, Nova Scotia, has also observed reductions in donations. Previously, a dairy farmer from Prince Edward Island donated a full pallet of milk, valued at approximately $3,000, but due to increasing demand, the donation has been halved.

The report by Field Agent Canada involved data collection from 180 stores nationwide. It revealed that milk prices in the Maritime provinces are between 7% and 31% higher than the national average.

Jeff Doucette, General Manager of Field Agent Canada, stated that while competition can sometimes lead to short-term price reductions, he has not observed any long-term decreases in milk prices since the company started surveying in 2014.