The umbrella charity that collects and distributes food for over 150 food banks, shelters, drop-in centres and soup kitchens in Nova Scotia is struggling with a $270,473 deficit.

The figure for Feed Nova Scotia is up from a $90,998 deficit the previous year.

Feed Nova Scotia executive director Dianne Swinemar says costs are up for everything from fuel for transporting food to electricity.

Swinemar says she fears the organization may have to cut programs.

Feed Nova Scotia employs 45 full-time workers and eight part-time workers, while another 750 to 800 volunteers assist the organization.

In 2011-12, the organization distributed just over two-million kilograms of food valued at $14 million.