Food for thought: Rising grocery prices affect food choices and nutrition, and ultimately health, and even the health care system.
Due to inflation, the cost of food continues to skyrocket, with data from Statistics Canada report the latest price changes for food purchased from grocery stores and restaurants.
In September, Canada experienced its largest annual increase in food purchased from grocery stores or restaurants (10.3%). Food prices increased slightly less in October (10%), but remain raisedwith november increase at 6.8 percent.
In response to this rapid inflation, many Canadians have taken to social media, especially ICT Tacto share how much groceries cost and what they’re getting for their money.
recent Canada lettuce shortage led to higher prices for romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce, with many grocery stores showing signs of shortages and imposing purchase quantity limits, while restaurants changed their offerings and changed their menus.
Why are food prices so high?
The COVID-19 pandemic and other global events continue to have global health and economic consequences, with food prices being no exception.
Prices are pushed up in many waysincluding supply chain issues (things like processing, packaging and transportation), changes in consumer consumption habits and previously imposed business closures forcing the redistribution of food from restaurants to stores , as well as adverse weather conditions (things like heat waves, extreme rain/flooding, drought, and frost).
As health behavior researchers, we believe that many Canadians will undoubtedly feel the added financial pressure at checkout, and many will eat less nutritious and less expensive food options.
In Ottawa, the cost of eating nutritious food for a single person was estimated at $392 per month, based on data collected from May to June 2022. For a family of four, the cost jumps to $1,088 per month.
Undoubtedly, low-income and fixed-income households will be the hardest hit (especially in single-person or single-parent households) and short and long term health impact could add to our crippling healthcare system.
What is the impact of rising food prices on your health?
With the rising cost of food, many Canadians have insecure or limited access to food. This can have various health effects, such as a decrease in Mental Health, increased risk of diabeteshigher rates of autoimmune and infectious diseases, and injuries.
Research has shown that increased household food insecurity is strongly associated with greater pressure on the health care systemwith more emergency room visits, longer hospital stays, more same-day surgeries, greater reliance on physician services and home care services, and greater use of prescription drugs.
Seniors may also have health issues with specific dietary requirements. With rising food prices, meeting these specific dietary needs may not be possible and may lead to additional health complications.
In addition, the high cost of food puts a strain on food banks and school food programs, such as Ontario Student Nutrition Program. School food programs offer child support helping to ensure their stomach is full while promoting healthy eating practices.
School food programs have been shown to be beneficial for better school results and overall health in the short term, and children’s food choices and behaviors are likely to continue into adulthood, making childhood an essential time to have access to healthy food. A suboptimal diet at this stage can also interfere with optimal growth and development.
What can you do to save money?
One of the most expensive things about food is food waste. According to Second harvestlargest food rescue organization in Canada, the annual cost of preventable food loss and waste in Canada was $1,766 per household.
Making a meal plan for the week, with a grocery list before you go grocery shopping, is a great way to buy only what you need and make sure you use what you buy. If you only use half the produce for one meal, make sure you have a second recipe later in the week to use.
There are several apps online, such as Flipp or Reebee, that can also help you shop for sales or use coupons. Many food outlets allow price comparison with other stores. Using loyalty program points is another option that can help pay for groceries. If you’re a college student or older adult, your local grocery store or retail drug store may offer discounts for shopping on a specific day of the week.
Finally, eating with other people is not only associated with better food quality and psychosocial outcomesbut can also reduce food costs, as families prepare only one meal for all to enjoy.
