A controversial allowance that some Nova Scotia MLAs said they used to help needy constituents was more likely used to prop up their political popularity, Halifax food bank pioneer Mel Boutilier told CBC News Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a committee of MLAs eliminated the $1,050 monthly allowance, which required no receipts. Several MLAs claimed they used the money to buy groceries or heating oil for needy constituents.

"Its no big loss," Mel Boutilier, executive director of the Community Cares Network, said Wednesday.

"I guess we're all a little skeptical about that. I feel perhaps some of that is done for the MLA to be popular for the people in the community."

The practice became entangled in the controversy over excessive spending by Nova Scotia's 52 MLAs.

Former Speaker of the House Arthur Donahoe, who is reviewing spending by members of the legislature, told MLAs Tuesday that the donations were "laudable".

But he added, "I'm not sure whether they should come out of the public purse."

Nova Scotia's auditor general had also questioned whether they are a "justifiable use of public money."

In his February report on MLA expenses Jacques Lapointe slammed the allowance.

"We believe amounts spent in these ways have the potential to be more personal and partisan than providing service to constituents," he wrote.

Mel Boutiler said the money could be better spent.

"Organizations would benefit much more if they would get much more involved with the community, helping to find legal sources of funds," he said.