People need more income and affordable housing to live a healthy and dignified life, according to Executive Director of Feed Nova Scotia, Nick Jennery.

Jennery laid it out for the government’s standing committee Thursday, after another record-breaking year for food banks in Nova Scotia and said charity is not the answer.

“Food insecurity, I believe is a political choice,” said Jennery, “and a result of a failure to act in a result of overwhelming evidence.”

Jennery added that food bank use across the province rose 26 per cent in 2023 compared to the year before. Many are being forced to reduce the amount of food they give out or turn away new clients.

Jennery asked what he needs to say before the government takes real measurable action.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Community Services Trevor Boudreau said he believes all the departments are working together to help the most vulnerable.

Boudreau told reporters there are initiatives happening across the board whether it’s with housing, addictions and mental health and investments in health care as well as community services.

“Just recently our department will be releasing $5 million dollars to support food banks and other organizations across the province,” Boudreau said.

He added that there is more to do to help with affordability and cost of living.