Food prices: Low income earners struggling to find bargains at grocery stores

Up North5:43Rising food prices affecting Salvation Army Food Bank in Sudbury

Food prices are on the rise and that's affecting food banks. Caroline Lewis with the Salvation Army Food Bank in Sudbury says the high cost of food is leading to fewer donations and more people at her door.

The falling Canadian dollar means food costs have soared and thatparticularly affects those living on lower incomes.

• Six ways to save money on food amid sinking loonie

For Sudbury'sLarry Castonguay, who told CBC News he usually shops inthe reduced price sectionfor groceries,rising food costs have made shopping even more challenging.

"Before, I always bought reduced prices on the vegetables and the fruits, because a lot of people who had good income didn't buy those," he said.

"Now, you gotta be first on the job or else they're gone real quick."

Morning North17:35Phone-in on the rising cost of food

We opened up our phone lines to talk about the high cost of food. We wanted to your thoughts on the rising costs and your tips to keep your grocery bill in check. Joseph Leblanc of the Social Planning Council of Sudbury joined us for that conversation.

Bridget King of the Greater Sudbury Food Policy Council saidthe higher prices make it harder for those with lower incomes to pick healthier options.

"[But] when you know you're on a limited income, it's often not just between a broccoli or a loaf of bread," King said.

"It's between paying your phone bill or the heating and food as a whole."

Caroline Lewis of Sudbury's Salvation Army said high food pricesalso affectfood bank donations and the number of users.

"The amount that we have to purchase has risen as well," she said.

"We run out of stuff like Kraft Dinner, eggs, milk beans, soups those types of items," she explained. "[And] we'reseeing more clients every month."

Economists predict the high price of food may worsen, with some analysts predicting the loonie could drop to 59 cents US.

Food prices head higher

9 years ago

Duration 5:07

Diana Bronson of Food Secure Canada explains the effect of high food costs on low-income families