Parry Sound may see a four to six per cent rise in fruit and vegetable costs.
Two Canadian universities have conducted independent studies to predict fluctuations in grocery costs.
“Most Canadians can afford to pay a small increase but we know people living with low-income are already struggling to make ends meet, especially in the winter with expensive utility costs and the other costs of living, on top of the cost of healthy eating, which we know is quite high for a family of four in a month, it doesn’t affect the general public but for this in the low-income bracket, it will make healthy eating that much more difficult,” said Erin Reyce, Public Health Dietitian with North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
Reyce said that the public should hold the provincial government accountable for higher social assistance and minimum wage increases.
“The scheduled increase for a minimum wage increase that was intended for January has been cancelled and the scheduled increase for social assistance was cut back to 1.5 per cent instead of the three per cent increase. We know that’s not even being indexed to inflation,” she mentioned.
“It’s really important for people to understand that it’s not about stretching your food dollar or budgeting. If there isn’t enough money to go around to pay bills and have enough money to eat healthily, people may have to resort to poor food choices or further pressure on food banks,” Reyce said.
Reyce says there are lots of things people can do to eat well on a budget. She suggests purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables that are picked at the height of the season and flash frozen to preserve nutrients. Fall produce such as potatoes, onions, squash tends to be on sale in December and can last in the pantry for a lengthy period of time. Reyce also suggests looking up creative recipes that use fruit and vegetables and then freezing those goodies for a later date.
Reyce equates the rising cost of produce to grocers.
“Farmers are not often paid adequately for their product and CAO’s and upper management of corporate food grocers are paid well though front-line workers are paid minimum wage. The rising costs of food don’t reflect the prices farmers get for their product and doesn’t reflect what front-line staff is making in the grocery store. They reflect the profit margin for these companies,” she said.
“We need to hold the government accountable with regard to poverty and ensuring all Canadians have an adequate income and holding grocery stores accountable for their unreasonable profit margins because its unfair for the consumer to pay top dollar that a farmer doesn’t even receive a good rate for on the farm.”
Reyce noted that in the developed world, Canadians do not spend a high amount of disposable income on food and expressed concern that this issue will be detrimental for low-income earners.