The food prices that will see the biggest increase in Manitoba next year
Food prices in Canada will continue to rise in the new year, according to a new study.
The 13th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report – released Monday – said that overall, food prices will increase by five to seven per cent next year.
"In 2023, it is expected that Canadians will continue to feel the effects of high food inflation, and food insecurity/affordability will also be a big issue with rising food prices," said the report.
Canada's Food Price Report is compiled every year, a collaboration between Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of British Columbia. The study uses predictive analytics models applying machine learning to support the analytical process of determining the future of food prices.
The report also gives an overview of how food prices fared this year, "2022 presented a host of contributing factors that drive food inflation including continued labour shortages, high oil and gas prices, adverse climate events, and geopolitical conflicts," it states.
Food prices rose more than 10 per cent in Canada over the past 12 months, a trend the report attributes to several factors, including supply chain issues and "greedflation."
Food waste also continues to be a problem, "In 2022, 63 per cent of Canadians noted that they had to throw away food prematurely at least once in the six months preceding the survey," said the report.
Specifically, Manitoba saw an increase of 10.7 per cent in food prices, only slightly less than Quebec, which led the country at 11 per cent. British Columbia was the only province that did not see double-digits, with a 9.2 per cent increase.
The report also predicts how much families will spend on food next year. In 2023, a family of four will have annual food costs of up to $16,288.41, more than $1000 more than the previous year.
Another factor contributing to the rising cost of food is the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine produce 27 per cent of the world's wheat, and Ukraine is the largest producer of sunflower oil, which is widely used in processed foods. The war has disrupted the production of those commodities.
Looking at specific categories, the cost of vegetables is expected to rise the most, up to eight per cent. Fruit costs on the other hand will only jump a little - a three or four per cent increase. Meat, dairy, and bakery items will rise up to 7 per cent in cost.
The report says food security will continue to be an issue for many Canadians. "Food bank use has been increasing since June 2020 and because of rising food prices, 20 per cent of Canadians reported their household would be likely or very likely to get food or meals from community organizations including food banks, community centres, or other access points over the next six months," it stated.
The full report can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.