Beets

I’m sooo excited, never thought they were mature enough but look, my own beet seeds!!!

Can We Afford to Eat Anymore?

Can We Afford to Eat Anymore?

I went shopping for a few groceries yesterday. What a demoralizing experience! 

I’m curious, how does the government calculate its inflation rate? Food prices have increased, it seems to me, at a much higher rate than the current figure I found on the web. Most basic food products seem to be up one-two dollars or more per item. Many are 50% to 100 % higher than they were just a few months ago.

According to Statistics Canada,  “Canada’s annual inflation rate quickened to 5.7% in February of 2022, the highest since August of 1991…. Prices rose faster in six of the eight major components, notably for shelter (6.6% vs 6.2% in January), which rose at the steepest pace since August 1983. Sharp price increases were also seen in transportation (8.7% vs 8.3%), bolstered by a 32.3% surge in gasoline charges at the pump; costs of food (6.7% vs 5.7%), as prices of food in grocery stores rose at the fastest rate in 13 years.

I have no understanding of how the monetary system, the global market, or trade agreements work, or why shortages elsewhere raise prices where there is no shortage. I’ve found that prices vary, sometimes by a lot, from grocery store to grocery store. I’m sure grocers would be able to state many reasons why products are priced higher in their establishment than in another. I know volume buying and sourcing plays a big part in pricing - so does paying for fancy buildings, convenient location, better employee wages, good customer service, top quality products, more brand variety, expanded product choice, delis, eye-catching displays and reward programs - all of which are attractants for consumers and extra costs for proprietors. But I’ve never understood how a can of beans, a chicken, New Zealand lamb, any food stuff from anywhere overseas could cost less in a grocery store here than a similar item produced locally. Input costs may be less overseas - lower wages, subsidized fuel, substandard working conditions, longer growing seasons - but you would think transportation cost would eliminate the price advantage, especially if the environment is considered.

I sometimes feel robbed when I compare prices from one place to the next. I can’t help but think that there are some people & corporations out there getting much richer just because they can. For shopping I have a choice between two market towns, Amazon and other on-line retailers, and the city. The larger town has 2 big box chain grocery stores and the other has a Co-op and an independent grocer. When I need a lot of groceries I go where my dollar spreads the furthest. This usually leads me to the big box stores or Amazon where I have found price differentials as high as $5 on some items. If I need only a few items I pick them up wherever I happen to be. The cost of transportation does have to be considered.

I am lucky to live on a small farm. I can produce my own meat and grow a garden, keep bees. I get eggs from a neighbour. I cook from scratch. The woods around us are filled with wild meat and berries. And I don’t have a job outside my home taking up a huge chunk of my time. So, because we live where we do and are willing to do the work required, my family can still afford to eat well. But how will lower income families, seniors and others on fixed incomes who don’t have such advantages manage to cope? Even if they would prefer to support local, consumers with limited means in an inflationary marketplace have little choice but to seek out the best price for the products needed. And with big rises in gas, heating fuel, electricity, rents etc, people may be forced to make some hard choices. 

 I have a feeling the food banks are going to be very busy. 

There’s lots of ways to minimize costs. 

These are some kitchen savers I’ve made habitual… I suspect nearly everyone could add tips to this list.

• Cook from scratch including bread, cakes, cookies
• Select-a-size paper towels, substitute microfibre cloths
• Buy non-perishable items and cleaners in larger quantities or sizes
• Stock up on sale items
• Don't waste food, eat leftovers as is or incorporate into the next meal
• Know what’s in your fridge and use it before it’s too late
• Know what’s in your freezer and use within a reasonable time
• Keep a running grocery list, shop less frequently, avoid impulse buying 
• Know your prices, know your stores, check out flyers
• Can or freeze fruits, vegetables, meats when they are abundant and lower priced.
• Slow cook less expensive cuts of meat 
• Make stews, soups, and casseroles
• Best before, not rotten after

mltipton.blogspot.com

April 10, 2022