Erin Cameron was shocked when she collected the food expenses for the food of her family of six. “$ 952.57 in the last 30 days,” he says, holding up the calculator. This is double what he usually spent during this period last year. “This does not include our daily toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent,” he adds. He also says it does not include pet food for the dog and their three cats. With four children growing up, Cameron has always been aware of the household budget, but her shopping strategy has changed in recent months. “I went to all the stores and made sales, but with the cost of gas, it got a little harder, so now I try to keep it in two or three stores,” he says. In addition to shopping sales, Cameron says the family eats less outside and makes different food choices. “We’ve switched to a lot of plant-based proteins because the cost of chickpeas and black beans is much lower than animal protein,” Cameron explains. Food policy expert Sylvain Charlebois has some bad news for families like Cameron. “I hate to say that, but the worst is yet to come,” said Charlebois, director of the Dalhousie University Rural Food Analysis Laboratory. Charlebois says the grain shortage caused by the war in Ukraine, along with the supply chain’s prolonged pandemic problems, began a cycle of rising food prices in February. Add dry farming conditions to the west, and expect more price increases this fall. Charlebois also predicts a new rise in milk prices next week. “In fact, we have not escaped yet, which is why I think it is important for families to reconsider their budget and see exactly what needs to be recalibrated,” he said. Rising food costs are something the Beacon House Food Bank chief expected in Lower Sackville, NS. Rod Rowlands worked in the food supply industry and saw the proverbial writing on the wall. His organization procured early supplies of food such as cans, canned milk, pasta and pasta sauce, with the aim of raising charitable dollars and preparing for what might follow. “Fortunately we have not had any other supply chain problems so far, but this is today,” says Rowlands. She worries about what the fall will bring, when Maritimers will have to consider seasonal expenses, such as home heating. “I remember seven or eight years ago, the question was, do you eat or do you warm up?” says Rowland. “And that was one of the things I think we can see again.” At the same time, Cameron adds that wages are not keeping pace with inflation and all rising costs. “Right now, we are content with the income we have,” he says. While he says he feels lucky to be a double-income household, he can only think of those who do not have the resources to make ends meet.
