Montreal food banks face reduced supply of soon-to-expire food

Montreal food banks are reporting smaller deliveries as competition grows for surplus and nearexpiry groceries. Moisson Montréal, which redistributes recovered food to 303 community organizations across the island, says changes in grocerystore stock management and wider use of discount channels are reducing what it can collect. At Information alimentaire populaire CentreSud, manager Kateline McDonnell said shelves have been emptier than usual and the organization has had to buy food to cover the gap. The food bank also raised the price of its baskets from $3 to $5 for the first time in 13 years, which has led to fewer purchases in recent months. Moisson Montréal director of philanthropy Matias Duque said the organization is adapting by changing its operations, including using smaller trucks to collect food from more local grocers. Food economist Mike von Massow said increased competition for shortdated products may benefit some shoppers, but could leave the most foodinsecure people with fewer options.