FOOD PRICES UP 50 PER CENT IN 7 YEARS

YOU are paying an average of 50 per cent more than you did seven years ago to feed your family. 

That is the typical price hike in food items since 2015, Sunshine Today found in an investigation that sampled costs at several supermarkets. 

The food basics include flour, rice, milk, onions, sugar, margarine, macaroni, corned beef, toothpaste and various other items. 

The astounding increased costs are taking place in the midst of the loss of up to 150,000 permanent jobs and the absence of salary hikes for many workers during that period. 

An analysis of a basket of food items has found that consumers are enduring the worst inflation in living memory. 

A pound of lentils has moved from $3.97 to $6.99 a pound. 

A can of Target Corned Beef, which sold for $14.97, is now at $23.99. 

Brunswick sardines are now selling at $9.99 a can, a price increase of $2. 

A 10-kilogramme package of Nutrimix Premium Grade Flour has climbed from $115.95 to $198. 

The cost of a tube of Colgate has gone up from $15.47 to $24.99. 

A 25-kg packet of Tang Drink Mix, which sold at $9.96, is now at $13.96. 

A 200-gramme pack of Zee Macaroni Shells has increased from $6.98 to $7.98. 

An 85-kg packet of Chief Curry has zoomed from $6.99 to $11.99. 

A pound each of onions and garlic is now $5.99 and $9.99 respectively, both an increase of $1. 

A packet of Devon Shortcake has jumped from $2 to $4.98. 

Eve Condensed Milk 300-gramme, which sold for $6.79, is now $10.99. 

A litre of Moo Milk has gone from $11.99 to $15.99. 

A packet of Kiss hamburger buns is now $13.75, compared to $10.75 previously. 

A 227-kilo of Blue Band Margarine has soared from $7.99 to $12.99. 

The cost of Every Bath Soap has climbed from $9.99 to $16.99. 

A pound of red beans has gone up $1 to $8.99 and yellow split peas (dhal) from $3.99 to $4.49. 

Cheddar cheese that previously cost $22.98 now sells at $27.88. 

A two-pound packet of iodised table salt has gone from $5.97 to $9.98. 

The cost of 400kg of Swiss pasta macaroni has increased from $9.94 to $13.98. 

A pound of brown sugar has moved from $7.99 to $8.99. 

That’s the trend with respect to virtually all food and household items used by an average family.  

A supermarket official calculated that a basket of items that would have cost $1,030.29 a few years ago is now setting back a consumer by $1,551,45. 

 And even worse is ahead, according to trends in international food prices. 

For example, wheat prices are going up as a result of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. 

The intensifying conflict is affecting the shipment of grains and other supplies. 

The short supply of wheat is sending up products in which it is a key ingredient. 

Higher oil prices have also led to steeper shipping costs, with consumers feeling the pinch. 

The international prices of eggs, cereal, butter, and milk have shot up in recent months, and the forecast is for ongoing increases. 

Climate change is also having a negative impact on food production and prices. 

Supermarket operators said that some prices are unstable and could go up at short notice. 

Asked whether consumers would have to pay more at Christmas time, a grocery proprietor said: “We are receiving year-end supplies and hoping for the best.” 

Even in the midst of the steadily increasing food prices, government officials have been asking the public to make sacrifices.  

There is concern among welfare and charity organisations about increasing poverty and worsening nutritional levels.