Stuart

NASH

Revenue Spokesperson

17 November 2011 MEDIA STATEMENT
More Kiwi families miss out on fresh food

A survey has revealed a third of Kiwis are replacing fresh fruit and vegetables with tinned food as prices continue to spiral upwards, says Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash.

The survey by Canstar Blue of 2,500 Kiwi consumers showed people in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin were most likely to have increased the amount of tinned food they buy.

“Families are telling us they are hurting, and food banks say it is increasingly working families who are asking for assistance. Hardship is on the increase as prices have risen four times faster than wages in the past three years,” Stuart Nash said.

“Labour’s policy to take all 15% of GST off fresh fruit and vegetables will make a significant difference to weekly family budgets.

“The concern raised by this survey is not that tinned food is unhealthy, but that fresh food is becoming too expensive,” Stuart Nash said

“Labour’s plan to take all GST off fresh fruit and vegetables, along with making the first $100 a person earns a week tax free, will be a real help to middle and low income families. Lifting the minimum wage to $15 an hour will also be a welcome boost to those who really need it.

“Affordable healthy food makes economic sense. The more local fresh fruit and vegetables people buy, the more local businesses benefit and the more jobs are created.

“While National gets caught up in sideshows, Labour has a plan to secure New Zealand’s long-term future, keep our assets and take the immediate financial pressure off families who are struggling with the rising cost of living,” Stuart Nash said.

ENDS

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