The Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program was established by the Province in 1997 to ensure that nutritious, perishable items such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products are available to Labrador’s coastal communities during the winter months. Under the AFS program, a subsidy is paid to retail stores to offset the high cost of flying perishable foods into these communities.

The AFS program, available to all coastal communities of Labrador, goes into effect 5 days after the closure of the shipping season. The closure of the shipping season ceases due to weather conditions (ice).

The AFS program is a supplementary program run by the Province that operates only during the winter months when shipping rates are at their highest and transportation by air is the only option for delivering nutritious foods to communities.

AFS is a voluntary program and it is up to the retailer to determine if they wish to take part.

The Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is the contact for the program. Any queries may be directed to the Department by calling (709) 896-1780