Nearly one-in-three British Columbians intend to adjust Thanksgiving meals due to high food costs
At Quality Foods in View Royal, B.C., the rising cost of food is on everyone’s mind.
"They’re astronomical," said Wendy McCulloch, a View Royal resident.
"A lot more expensive," said Krista Sutherland, another View Royal resident.
With Thanksgiving weekend fast approaching, a new survey conducted by Dalhousie University and the Angus Reid Institute found that 29 per cent of British Columbians intend to make menu adjustments as a result of higher food prices.
"That is the highest percentage in the entire country," said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.
Here’s how much Thanksgiving mainstays have increased compared to last year.
On average, turkey is up 15 to 16 per cent, potatoes are now 22 per cent more expensive, cranberries are up 12 per cent and bread is up 13 per cent.
That is causing many to change how they shop.
"I will not pay $5.98 for a tiny little head of lettuce," said McCulloch.
Steve Metcalfe, store manager of Quality Foods in View Royal, says he doesn't expect food prices to come down anytime soon because of ongoing labour shortages and supply chain issues.
"Nothing has really gone down too much. If anything, it’s, 'What hasn’t gone up the most?'" he said.
Shoppers are seen at the Quality Foods in View Royal, B.C., on Oct. 4, 2022. (CTV News)
GROCERY SAVING TIPS
Metcalfe does have some tips for shoppers, in order to save a few dollars on their bill.
"I think the biggest one is to shop with a list," said the store manager.
Check the local flyers or store apps for sales, plan your meals in advance, make a list and stick to that list once you get to the store, he says.
Metcalfe's second suggestion is to look for the generic brands since they will be generally be cheaper.
"It’s just as good as the name brand," said Metcalfe.
His third tip is for the savvy shopper.
"Watch the unit price on the items," he said. "Toilet paper, for example, it will tell you how much each roll is."
Even though a product may be on sale, after looking at the unit price you may discover the one that isn’t on sale is actually a better deal.
While Sutherland was shopping in View Royal on Tuesday, she said her family still planned to hold a Thanksgiving dinner, though this year it will be a potluck.
"My mom and dad buy the turkey and then everyone just brings something," said Sutherland.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.