We're Just Not Buying It

What do you think the outcome will be of the raised prices of produce?

I asked a table of 10 grocery shoppers how they're reacting to the high cost of their groceries. Some joked that they wouldn't buy an 11 dollar cauliflower, but most said they would just pay the difference and keep their shopping lists the same. 

I found that those who buy organic products will not let the cost stop them from eating healthy and what they prefer. There are some saving options that people will resort to whenever they can such as buying frozen organic fruit. (fresh strawberries can be between five and 8 dollars while frozen organic strawberries can be between $3-$6).

Others have said that they just walk past and snarl at the inflated prices and not buy the products like zucchini and grapes. This will either result in "sales" or a whole lot of wasted produce. 

Why are the prices so high anyways?

According to the Canadian Press, "El Niño-fueled floods have created supply shortages and contributed to price increases on produce from California and Mexico. Analysts say the shortage is the worst they've seen in 30 years. 

In addition, about 80 per cent of produce is imported to Canada and traded in U.S. dollars. Thus, a large portion of the cost increase consumers are seeing on the shelves is because of the decline in the value of the dollar". Leeanna McLean Digital Reporter, The weather network

Analysts say the dollar could fall as low as US$0.59, the lowest it's ever been (the current record low is US$0.6179, set in January, 2002). That's one factor, alongside growing conditions, that's leading to more expensive grocery bills across the country.

Try to stay healthy during these expensive times and remember that when it's about the will of a hungry healthy stomach there's a way to feed it.