25 Mar 2015

People in Vanuatu short on food as prices increase

6:45 am on 25 March 2015

A volunteer says many people in Port Vila are short on food as prices increase.

A child sleeps outside the New Covenant Church in Sangava Village

A child sleeps outside the New Covenant Church in Sangava Village Photo: NZ / Koroi Hawkins

Richard Henderson has been volunteering in Vanuatu for the past 18 months and says although the main town is bustling with activity, many poor suburbs are struggling.

Mr Henderson has been visiting the poorer areas of Port Vila and says one mother has lost half her weight since he saw her 6 weeks ago.

He says they've got basic food but need proper nutritional fruit and vegetables.

Mr Henderson says one cabbage at the local supermarket is worth the equivalent of 30 New Zealand dollars.