High food prices hurting low-income people

While many shoppers are noticing a spike in grocery prices, a local food security group says higher prices are hurting low-income people even more.

CHEP Good Food works with people from across the city, trying to provide healthy, affordable food through the Good Food Box program, as well as through special market programs targeted at seniors.

The group has noticed a sharp spike in food prices recently, especially in produce.

"It really hits a lot of people who are trying to shop for health foods for their families," said CHEP executive director Yvonne Hanson. "And also making sure that they have all the nutrients that they need to fill up the needs around the Canada Food Guide, making sure they're cognisant of what things they need to purchase for their families."

The organization says the high price of produce is hurting CHEP as well. The group is a major purchaser of produce and any increase in the price of fruits and vegetables eats into the group's budget.

"We're partly reliant on donations, we're partly reliant on fundraising for our activities," Hanson said. "We do receive some government support and corporate support. We're having to stretch our dollars even further."

However, low income people will find it even more difficult. 

"We know that Canadians spend around seven to 10 per cent of their disposable income on food," said Hanson. "For low-income people, you can rest assured that that number is double or triple their disposable income, if they were to purchase healthy foods."