1. What is the Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program?
The Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program was developed in 1997; a provincial program that provides an air freight subsidy on select food items to retailers. It provides access to nutritious and perishable food items for people living on coastal Labrador. The program is currently administered by the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.

2. How do I benefit from the AFS?
This program provides an air freight subsidy to retailers on the coast of Labrador. Retailers are required to pass these savings on to the consumer on the cost of goods sold.

3. How long is the program in effect?
The AFS program runs year-round and is in three sections that reflect the needs of the consumers. Each section coincides with the air and marine shipping seasons.

1. The Standard AFS Program
   The program operates only during winter months when coastal marine services are not provided to communities on coastal Labrador. During this time, freight rates are at their highest due to air transportation.
2. 2008 Air Freight Subsidy during the Marine Service Season
   This new expanded portion of the AFS program is an air freight subsidy that begins at the start of the marine shipping season and closes at the end of the marine shipping season for eligible communities (Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish, Nain, Williams Harbour, Norman Bay and Black Tickle).
3. 2008 Air Freight Subsidy on Fresh Milk
   The fresh milk subsidy runs year-round and begins on July 28, 2008

4. What food items are eligible?

1. Standard AFS Program List of eligible items (PDF)
2. 2008 Air Freight Subsidy during the Marine Service Season List of eligible items (PDF)
3. 2008 Air Freight Subsidy on Fresh Milk List of eligible items (PDF)

5. What are the non-eligible items?
Standard AFS Program List of non-eligible itemss (PDF)

6. Does the AFS cover any non-perishable items?
No it does not. The AFS covers nutritious perishable food items with a limited shelf life.

7. What changes have been made for the 2007-08 year?

• A new eligible food list that reflects a healthier life style was implemented, and;
• The AFS program is in effect five days after the close of the coastal shipping season versus the original ten day waiting period.

8. What changes have been made for the 2008-09 year?

• Subsidy on eligible soft fruits and vegetables, breads and milk products for the communities of Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish and Nain, as well as the communities of Black Tickle, Norman Bay and William’s Harbour, during the marine shipping season, and;
• A year-round full air-freight subsidy on fresh milk is available in the communities of Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish and Nain, as well as the communities of Black Tickle, Norman Bay and William’s Harbour.

Note: The fresh milk subsidy is available to most of the south coat and straits regions when the M.V Apollo has finished its regular shipping season. The subsidy will also be offered if the M.V Apollo is not in service due to weather or mechanical failure

9. How can I apply to the AFS program?
The AFS program is a voluntary program and any retailers on the coast of Labrador may apply by contacting the Program Coordinator at 1-888-435-8111.

10. What happens if the stores run out of items?
Unfortunately, the delay in marine services due to extensive ice conditions may cause a store to run out of items. The AFS program is in effect during this time and only covers the eligible food items on the list. Other items will not be covered under the AFS program.

11. What is the difference between the AFS program and the Food Mail program?
The AFS program is a provincial program that provides an air freight subsidy on select food items to retailers during winter months when marine service is unavailable. The Food Mail Program is a federally run Program and more information can be found at the following link: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/nap/air/1brofoomai_e.html.

12. Why are some nutritious foods such as dried beans and peas not covered under the program?
Government recognizes the health benefits of dried food items such as beans and peas, however these items have a long shelf life and one of the aims of the AFS is to provide access to healthy perishable items such as fresh fruit and vegetables.