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- Frequently Asked Questions
Air Foodlift Subsidy - FAQ
- What is the Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program?
- How do I benefit from the AFS?
- How long is the program in effect?
- What food items are eligible?
- Does the AFS cover any non-perishable items?
- What has been added and removed from the AFS eligibility food list?
- What communities are eligible to participate in the AFS Program:
- Is there an AFS program for the South Coast and Straits of Labrador?
- The NNC program is not offered in South Coast and Straits communities connected to the Trans-Labrador Highway. How are they eligible for AFS?
- How do I know the savings are passed on to the consumer?
- How can I apply to the AFS program?
What is the Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program?
The AFS is a provincial program that provides an air freight subsidy on select food items to retailers. It supports access to nutritious and perishable food items for people living in isolated coastal communities in Labrador. The program is currently administered by the Labrador Affairs Office.
On a pilot basis for the fiscal year 2011-12, the Provincial Government made changes to the AFS program to better align with the full implementation of the federal Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program effective April 1, which replaces the federal Food Mail Program.
These changes are intended to ensure consumers continue to have access to nutritious perishable foods. Changes include:
- A continuation of a full 100 per cent air freight subsidy on fresh milk, after the NNC subsidy is applied, is available year round for eligible communities.
- 80 per cent of the air freight cost, after the NNC subsidy is applied, is covered for eligible items for all eligible communities year-round.
- Revised eligible food list that coincides with Category 1 of the NNC program.
- Retailers/Wholesalers must be registered with the NNC program to be eligible for the AFS program
How do I benefit from the AFS?
This program provides an air freight subsidy to retailers-wholesalers on eligible food items supplied to isolated coastal communities of Labrador. Retailers are required to pass these savings on to the consumer on the cost of goods sold.
How long is the program in effect?
- The AFS Program for the 2011-12 fiscal year, will operate as a one year pilot project. The program continues to be monitored and evaluated.
- Air Freight Subsidy on Fresh Milk, The fresh milk subsidy runs year-round
What food items are eligible?
- Standard AFS Program List of eligible items
(63 KB) -
Air Freight Subsidy on Fresh Milk List of eligible items (44 KB)
Does the AFS cover any non-perishable items?
No it does not. The AFS program covers nutritious perishable food items with a limited shelf life
What has been added and removed from the AFS eligibility food list?
Added to the AFS Eligible food list (to correspond with Category 1 of NNC)
- Hash browns
- Dried fruit (e.g. raisins, dates, cranberries & apricots)
- Dried unseasoned vegetables (e.g. onion flakes, dried vegetable mixes, instant potato flakes)
- Ready to cook type cereals (e.g. cream of wheat)
- Ready to eat breakfast cereal
- Canned evaporated milk
- Processed cheese (e.g. Velveeta)
- Peanut Butter
- Other cured & smoked meats (e.g. back bacon, peameal)
- Buttermilk
- Unsweetened seeds
Removed from the AFS Eligible food list (to correspond with Category 1 of NNC)
- Unsweetened juice in large Tetra Paks and similar containers (more than 250 ml)
- Whole pumpkins
- Salad Dressing and Mayonnaise
- Butter
- Frozen Pizza
- Frozen calorie reduced entrees
- Sour cream
- Half & Half cream
- Ice Cream
- Frozen Yoghurt
- Flour – all purpose, whole wheat, rye, other semi-perishable flours
What is the difference between the AFS program and the NNC program?
The AFS program is a provincial program that provides an air freight subsidy on select food items to retailers. The NNC program is a federally run program and more information can be found at the following link:
http://www.nutritionnorthcanada.gc.ca/index-eng.asp 
What communities are eligible to participate in the AFS Program:
- Nain
- Natuashish
- Hopedale
- Makkovik
- Postville
- Rigolet
- Black Tickle
- Williams Harbour
Is there an AFS program for the South Coast and Straits of Labrador?
The AFS program for the Straits and South Coast of Labrador remains status quo – it will be initiated when and if there is an extended continuous interruption in marine service due to mechanical or weather delays, or prolonged road closures on the Tran Labrador Highway due to inclement weather.
The NNC program is not offered in South Coast and Straits communities connected to the Trans-Labrador Highway. How are they eligible for AFS?
In circumstances such as those outlined above, retailers in those communities will be eligible for AFS. The AFS rates will apply during those periods, calculating the NNC subsidy as zero.
How do I know the savings are passed on to the consumer?
Officials with Labrador Affairs Office continue to monitor food prices in Labrador coastal communities and visit communities to collect food price data. In addition, upcoming improvements in data collection will provide an opportunity for price surveys to be posted on the LAA website.
How can I apply to the AFS program?
The AFS program is a voluntary program. For more information please call the Program Coordinator at 1 888 435 8111.