Consumers preparing to pay more for food in 2022
Your grocery and restaurant bills are expected to increase significantly next year, according to a new report on food prices.
Researchers estimate some people could be paying nearly $1,000 more to feed their families in 2022.
At Cantor’s Quality Meats and Groceries in Winnipeg, shopper Kay Walker’s cart was nearly full, but the 85-year-old worries she may have to start making do with less.
“Pensioners don’t get a raise,” said Walker. “We understand the prices are going to go up.”
According to the 2022 edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, released by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, cost increases could reach new heights in 2022.
“All-in-all, seven per cent, which is the highest percentage we’ve ever predicted in 12 years,” said Sylvain Charlebois, project lead and director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab.
But the report forecasts Manitoba will see below average increases.
“The Prairies, in general, are very lucky because you’re very close to where the food comes from,” said Janet Music, a research program coordinator at Dalhousie’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab.
On average, a family of four can expect to pay about $966 more for food next year, for a total annual cost of nearly $15,000.
“It’s going to hurt,” said Ed Cantor, owner of Cantor’s Quality Meats and Groceries. “People — their money doesn’t go as far anymore. It’s hard for anybody to make it like they used to.”
Cantor said he is already seeing price hikes on meat, which have since stabilized, along with produce.
The food report predicts the biggest price increases will be on dairy products and eating out at restaurants, which could go up between six and eight per cent.
Meantime, bakery and vegetable prices are expected to rise between five and seven per cent.
“It just gets too expensive,” Cantor said. “By the time you buy just the necessities, you haven’t done anything. You haven’t made a cake yet.”
COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, labour market challenges and climate change are being blamed for driving up production and transportation costs.
“I guess everything’s gotta go up,” said shopper Frank La Guardian. “With the pandemic and all that right now, everything’s been disrupted. And then the weather…the farmers — I know farmers, their crops are terrible.”
However, as prices in the store rise, The National Farmers Union said in a news release that money isn’t making it back to producers growing the food.
Shoppers said they have to pay close attention to what they pay for certain products and look for alternatives to fresh produce in the frozen food section.
“We just have to deal with it,” said Walker. “We just can’t buy what we used to buy.”
Researchers said the forecasted increase on the price of vegetables is a concern from a public health perspective because consumers may be tempted to cut back on buying healthy foods.
The food report also notes higher costs may lead to increased rates of theft. That is something many stores have already been dealing with and an issue Cantor pointed to as one of the ripple effects of continued price increases. He said it has forced him to hire a security guard for his store.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Denial and uncertainty are looming over a Biden-Trump rematch 6 months out from U.S. Election Day
Exactly six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked in the first contest in 112 years with a current and former president competing for the White House. It's a race that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 campaign.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.