Every year the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity performs a survey about Canadians’ trust in our food system. The survey includes just over 2900 participants that represent Canada’s diverse population and geographical differences. It is not surprising that the price of food seems to be on everyone’s mind as we head through a period of elevated inflation.
When asked about the top concerns of Canadians, three of the top five were related to food prices. Number one was the rising cost of food, second was inflation in general and the fourth was trying to keep healthy food affordable. All three of these areas hit Canadians in the pocketbook weekly as they search for ways to keep their family’s bank accounts balanced.
As farmers and ranchers, we have seen the economics that have influenced grocery store prices twelve to eighteen months in advance. Last year was one of the worst droughts the Canadian Prairies have seen in generations, coupled with post-Covid related input cost hikes and a war in Ukraine that sent fuel and fertilizer prices even higher. These situations tightened the supply of food and caused significant increases in our agricultural commodity prices, which eventually filtered down to the consuming public.
Last week while at a conference in Ottawa, I listened to an emotional presentation from Kirsten Beardsley who is the CEO of Food Banks Canada. Her comments focused on the increased demand for food bank usage across the country and how some families can no longer afford both rent and food.
I am reminded at times like these of the generosity of farmers and ranchers for those who are struggling to keep food on their family’s dinner table. The Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan just sponsored a full meal at the Friendship Inn in Saskatoon during Ag Month, Saskatchewan Egg Producers and SaskMilk provide regular contributions to our province’s food banks and there are numerous stories of local ranchers donating beef to those who need it. This all reminds us of the need in our own local communities.
As we head into the holiday season, during a time of record food inflation, let us be mindful of those who support the food industry that we all belong to and join in lending a helping hand to others in need.