The cost of food is going up according to the Canadian Food Price report. In 2020, it’s expected the average Canadian family will pay almost $500 more for groceries ($487).
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says food insecurity is a serious problem and upwards of one in ten households (12%) worry about not having enough food to eat. In 2018, the cost of feeding a family of four in Renfrew County was $866 a month. This doesn’t include processed food, special dietary food, infant food, or cleaning and personal products.
The local health unit says it’s unlikely that low income household can afford the cost of living and a nutritious diet. Before factoring in the increase in food costs, a family of four earning minimum wage that pays $1,000 a month for rent, would have about $1,750 left for heat, hydro, internet, insurance, transportation, child care, school essentials, clothing, medical and dental. In another scenario, a single male receiving Ontario Works assistance after being unable to find work would not have enough money to pay for rent and food.
The Canadian Food Price report says meat will go up 4 to 6 per cent next year, vegetables could go up 2 to 4 per cent, fruits will see a 1.5 to 3.5 per cent increase, dairy items are expected to go up 1 to 3 per cent and baked goods will be 2 per cent more. Climate change, geopolitical conflicts and single use plastic packaging are being blamed for the higher cost of food.
Below is a scenario chart highlighting risks for food insecurity in 20189 that’s NOT taking into account the increase in food costs expected in 2020.
See the full report on the cost of eating in Renfrew County and district in 2018 here.
