CTV News Calgary has reported:

Grocery costs continue to climb as Calgary families prepare Thanksgiving meals, adding pressure on shoppers, businesses and the Calgary Food Bank. Statistics Canada reported that food prices rose an average of 3 per cent year over year in August, and food costs have exceeded overall inflation for more than a year.

Yousef Traya, owner of Bridgeland Market, said the increases affect a range of products. “We’re seeing a substantial increase in grocery prices, whether it’s produce or imported goods,” he said. “All around, there is an increase. “I’ve seen anywhere from five to 10 per cent on average, but sometimes some stuff is 20 to 30 (per cent).”

Beef prices rose 11 per cent, while other meats outside poultry were up close to 9 per cent. Shopper Barend Dronkers said he looks for deals and decides what meals to make after getting home. “The way I shop is very much focused on, ‘Oh, there’s a good deal over there-I’ll buy that.’ Then, when I get home, it’s, ‘I got these things-how can I turn that into a dinner,” he said.

“I’ll still buy the general food groups and try to eat healthy. “I’ve generally always tried to approach grocery shopping this way. Maybe I’ve eaten a little bit less meat as a result of rising prices,” Dronkers said. Diesel prices, which have risen about 70 per cent since the war started in Iran, are a major contributor to cost increases. Tariffs are also making goods more expensive.

Traya said shipping companies, warehouses and wholesalers have notified the market that fuel surcharges have risen. “We’re already getting emails from a lot of the shipping companies. A lot of the warehouses and wholesalers are saying, ‘Hey, our fuel surcharges have gone up,’” he said. The business has gradually raised prices, sought to avoid sharp increases and looked for deals to help offset some costs.

“It’s a very expensive year for a lot of people to feed families-to buy groceries and basic necessities,” Traya said. The Calgary Food Bank is also facing higher food costs and seeing the impact on clients and donations, said CEO Melissa From. The organization spends close to $10 million annually on food to provide emergency support.

“We see it at the client level and what they’re experiencing, but also, as an organization providing emergency food support, we’re spending close to $10 million every year on food,” From said. “The third way we really see it is how it’s reflected in our donations. “Donations are down, because I think everyday Calgarians are having to make tough choices when they go to the grocery store.”

Since 2023, the number of families needing help from the food bank has more than doubled, from 400 to 1,000 families per day. From said 29 per cent of current food bank clients have full-time employment. “At the end of the day, they’re simply not earning enough to cover their costs,” she said.

The food bank recently gathered 475,000 pounds of food through its annual City-Wide Food Drive. It uses two million pounds of food each month. A walk supporting the food bank is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at Eau Claire Plaza during the Thanksgiving long weekend.