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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.