Creative ways to deal with rising food costs

Canadians are getting creative and finding new ways to afford food. CBC’s Joel Ballard finds out how some people in British Columbia are coping with the rising costs and what it means for their bottom line.
»»» Subscribe to CBC News to watch more videos: bit.ly/1RreYWS
Connect with CBC News Online:
For breaking news, video, audio and in-depth coverage: bit.ly/1Z0m6iX
Find CBC News on Facebook: bit.ly/1WjG36m
Follow CBC News on Twitter: bit.ly/1sA5P9H
For breaking news on Twitter: bit.ly/1WjDyks
Follow CBC News on Instagram: bit.ly/1Z0iE7O
Subscribe to CBC News on Snapchat: bit.ly/3leaWsr
Download the CBC News app for iOS: apple.co/25mpsUz
Download the CBC News app for Android: bit.ly/1XxuozZ
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
For more than 80 years, CBC News has been the source Canadians turn to, to keep them informed about their communities, their country and their world. Through regional and national programming on multiple platforms, including CBC Television, CBC News Network, CBC Radio, CBCNews.ca, mobile and on-demand, CBC News and its internationally recognized team of award-winning journalists deliver the breaking stories, the issues, the analyses and the personalities that matter to Canadians.

[@hornedlobster]

This video offered 0 practical solutions so I will do that for you. 1. Buy veggies in frozen - they have the same nutrients at a fraction of the cost. 2. Potatoes, onions and carrots are cheap options for large meal prep - think soups and stews. 3. Meat can be bought cheaper in large quantities, and then kept in freezer bags to last months. 4. Lastly, dont get stuck in the habit of buying the same items if they continue to go up in price. Personally, bell peppers have increased from $5.99 to $8.99 recently in my supermarket. Therefore I've started buying carrots as a lower cost alternative.

[@sct4040]

Buy from street vendors for fruits and vegetables.

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

Buy seasonally. In winter, cabbage, turnip and rutabega are cheap. Cook at home and eat leftovers for lunch. Batch cook and meal prep. DO NOT waste food.

[@peaceandlove544]

Freeze fruit, freeze lemon juice, organge juice, do conserves, preserves, grow herbs and sweet potatoes inside, outside whatever you can, join a community garden, de-cludder, if you have 2 cars, go 1-car and mix with public transportation, donate your pet to someone to save on pet food, if you have space get some chickens, if you can homeschool and you will save on kids clothing and snacks, but if you do have join Sunday school, community /sports/social/family/neighbors activities so they make good friends and feel like part of a group, a team, their age.

[@AlexMAGA2024]

Trump 2024

[@Michelle_Emm]

Don't eat meat and save even more.

[@HS99876]

Cooking your own meals is the best way to save!!!

[@StephBer1]

The biggest reduction you can make is on unnecessary 'snack" food. My kids are only in their mid 20s. I baked cakes and biscuits for their lunches and had a full time job. A cake costs about 50 cents to make and can make 6 snacks for kids. My grandmother had to feed a family during the depression and I saw the way she lived. Even when she had money, she was frugal. She made and grew all her own food well into her 80s, except for meat. She never wasted any food, or anything really. The same dining table for 50 years, the same couch for 30. You can do it, but we all grew up in the consumer, throw away society and we all need to change, including me.

[@e-spy]

yep, I bought my dining table when I was 18. I'm 60 now. It's still my dining table. But Hulu has claimed anathema on my TV. I cannot view hulu anymore. Guess what? I saved and now have free peacock. Looking like Netflix will have to go soon too...

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

Meat and veg section is all I need. I usually have a 20k of rice.

[@clotshotthot5750]

Things don't last like they use to

[@RiDankulous]

Ut est rerum omnium magister usus (roughly "experience is the teacher of all things") attributed to Julius Caesar

[@dianethompson2458]

I am a senior on a fixed income. I dont own a car. I was going to the grocery store on the bus and then taking a cab home with my groceries. The cost of the cab ride is going up as well as the food costs. I found an on line app that delivers groceries to my door for one third of the cost of a one way cab ride. I buy less because I am not in the store being tempted to buy stuff I dont really need. I went from 80 dollars per week to around 50 dollars (delivery included. )I feel so sorry for young families. It is shameful that children and pregnant women cant afford to eat properly. The government needs to step up. There are plenty of very rich people who pay very low rates of taxes in this country. If they paid just a bit more it could help those less fortunate.

[@yellowbird5411]

For those who must take a bus, having a rolling wire cart is a must. That way you don't need to get a taxi or Uber to take you home. In the U.S., the bus will kneel so wheelchairs and those with rolling carts and walkers can get on without stairs. I use a rolling shopping cart to haul stuff in from my trunk to the kitchen. It's great, and they don't cost much at all. Mine is cheap, and pretty small, but it is holding up nicely after several years of use.

[@whitelutik]

If JT and his buddies stopped stealing so damn much from public purse- we'd be much better off. Can't wait till he is voted out and Liberal party goes belly up

[@RiDankulous]

@@yellowbird5411 I used to use a 2 wheeler, otherwise known as a dolly. However, it is not ideal. A purpose built cart would be better.

[@onebgbdartemis1381]

Creative ways? Know what mine is? I buy the basic staples once a month. Eggs, milk and bread. The essentials for sustenance. Chips, soda, candy, cereal and all the other stuff is a luxury. Not needed. If the food industry wants me to purchase that, they're going to have to fire a couple ceos and shareholders and reduce the price. Otherwise, I don't need it and won't buy it

[@Michelle_Emm]

Eggs, milk and bread are all you're going to eat? Good luck with that.

[@nancy9478]

Junk in, junk out. No crap in my pantry!

[@onebgbdartemis1381]

@@nancy9478 and less money spent at the grocery store

[@happycook6737]

Milk can be frozen. I freeze mine in ice cube trays as then I can use small amounts in coffee, baking. We aren't drinking it at these prices. 😂

[@anoodono1841]

@@happycook6737 good tip

[@mrcharliewebb]

We invested $100 to buy a used kitchen aid bowl mixer. We now make our own bread, tortillas, cookies, pasta, dog treats, etc. All so much more healthy, you know what your putting in it!!! And it's actually much more satisfying

[@valeriekehrt7566]

Good idea.

[@cindyjohnson1025]

None of that is healthy. All are full of poisonous oxalates causing chronic illnesses.

[@ahill4642]

Impressive!

[@2TMarie]

-Don't buy bread; make it yourself -No "snack foods," instead cut up carrots and celery sticks -Instead of ice cream; make your own popsicles in ice cube trays -Plant a small garden

[@beebee68]

It's a great time to lose weight. I don't mean that harshly. I rarely buy things like baked goods, ice cream or meat. I walk almost everyday for stress relief...

[@stephaniet9264]

I agree. Walking my dog is great free exercise for her and myself and nature is calming.

[@itstime3976]

I second that

[@mrcharliewebb]

Right!!! The industry DOES NOT WANT THAT.... Gas keeps rising, we'll be forced to ride bikes or walk, this will help with stress, help you sleep better, and a nice side effect of feeling better and strengthening muscles. If you start making things from scratch on top of that......... then you become more in control.

[@yveeriksson7437]

People will lose weight if they stop eating ultra processed junk food + walk 20-30 min/day.

[@mangopuppybaby]

Yes! Skip a meal and stop eating snacks. Many eat too big of portions too.

[@TRoxanne55]

Shop sales, use coupons, use saving apps, cut down your shopping trips, always stick to your grocery list, buy in bulk and freeze, buy frozen veggies, cook at home, meal prep so you aren’t running to the store last minute, plan your meals and stick to it, limit eating out, cut out unnecessary foods, build up your pantry when prices are lower or on sale.

[@megleland6320]

Buying in bulk is really hard when you have $40 in your wallet to eat for the week though, and freezers in apartments are often very tiny. And even if you had to money to buy your own small stand-alone, you would need to pay again in increased hydro. Even with canned goods, it is hard to stock up during the sale when you have no wiggle room in your budget to buy-now-to-save-later. Face it, being poor gets really expensive sometimes... Just look at the cost of doing laundry if you don't have your own machines at home. Poor families can pay over $100 a month at the laundromat, or on their buildings machines. I pay less than $20, including the cost of buying and maintaining the machines. Hardly seems fair.

[@PoeLemic]

TRH ... Too much work. Just steal when they are busy. That's what I'm teaching my kids. That way, you can save that money for the other stuff. We only steal meat & canned stuff.

[@diy5729]

Another practical solution is to cut the pay of politicians by 75% or more........redistribute the money to pay for citizen expenses.

[@yellowbird5411]

That's one way to get rid of most of the government! The ones who stay show they care.

[@johncasey5594]

When the pandemic hit and I saw the government printing money to hand out stimulus checks, I knew high inflation was on the horizon. I am a programmer for a major bank, make good money, love my tech toys, but I knew it was time to immediately switch gears. I started prepping. I started in 2020 stocking up on frozen and staple food, purchased strictly on sale. Purchased an extra chest freezer. I have over a years worth of food in my basement. My kids often shop in my basement to help them and it helps my wife and I rotate through food before it expires. If there are no sales on items I am interested in, I just skip grocery shopping, often for multiple weeks. I set aside the money I would have spent and then drop it all when the sales I am interested in return. I now pay all my bills the moment I receive them, well before the due date. I have also started saving like a mad man. Before anyone goes off, yes I have backup power solutions for my fridge/freezers in the event of a power outage.

[@AngieJames4172]

Much the same here. We paid our home and property off, our vehicles were paid for when we bought them as well. We invested in a Harvest Right freeze dryer as well. And stocked up on things like dry beans and rice and a few other items that will keep really well and go far. Bought half a beef heifer ( it's just my husband and I) we have a small flock of chickens a few geese and a turkey, so we are set on eggs. We have a large garden space for vegetables, the drought killed most everything last year even though we watered it, it was awful. But we were fine. And this is a new gardening year. More preserving and drying veggies as well as eggs. Anyone can grow food, even in a pot by a window in an apartment. Every little bit helps.

[@frankieamsden7918]

I really appreciate all the comments since the video gave no practical solutions however for those of us who have experienced the trauma of food insecurities fasting and loosing weight is not a good mental health option. I have found it more economical to buy cheaper cuts of meat or ground meat and mix it with oats. This stretches it and if cooked long enough isn't obvious. Cabbage with a cheap meat like a single sausage is a regular meal. Almost every leftover gets thrown in the soup pot. Cooking liquid has nutrients and flavor, save it. Do some online and Facebook research to find free food available for anyone regardless of income. There's churches that regularly hand out food.

[@joyaustin6581]

If you cut out processed foods people will likely lose weight

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

Our local senior center is giving us free light meals right now. I can go to the center five days a week for lunch. The lunch is light and we choose between a lettuce salad, a sandwich or a cup of soup along with milk, an apple and small bag of chips. We just have to be a member and my membership is free because I have Senior Sneakers. This had saved me money as well as I find friendship and socialization. IF you make kids snacks at home not only are they cheaper they are healthier. When my kids were young I use to make zucchini cookies and banana bread with an orange for my kids snack. They also got the nutrients of vegetables and fruit as well. Our center also has a nice coffee shop with lower prices; a cup of coffee for $1.06, two gluten free cookies for $1.25 and the l like. I believe the coffee shop is subsidized.

[@RiDankulous]

That is superb! Good social support program.

[@luckylunaloops]

Cook in large batches. Portion out and freeze individual servings. Saves $$$.

[@munchkin0518]

Yes, rising food costs are 100% a problem. That said, the families interviewed here.. could do with a reality check. For instance, are eyelash extensions and matching family pajamas really necessary expenses? Does your dog need to be overfed?

[@ShannonSonriseFamilyFarm]

And they look overfed themselves

[@sarahmc8309]

Maybe it’s due to the cheaper food she has to buy this wrecks hovoc with your hormones . It’s not as simple as over fed - there is a lot of reasons .

[@ShannonSonriseFamilyFarm]

@@sarahmc8309 for sure. I don’t disagree with that. But…it’s not impossible to eat well on a budget In fact - I would say it’s cheaper to eat healthy than to buy processed crap that would cause insulin resistance and compound hormonal issues

[@Vik7736]

no one is talking about the profits of the grocery chains and big food manufacturers ?

[@jasondrummond9451]

Of course not - because 'big media' has NO interest in actually changing anything.

[@Ynalaw]

Loblaw stocks are doing great! This can't just be about rising inflationary costs. Clearly the stores are gouging. Also, Sobeys was using customer donations to buy Sobeys own products to give to food banks in Vancouver. Big scandal. Instead of giving customer donations directly to food banks, Sobeys first decided how the money would be spent (at Sobeys). Don't believe me? Look it up!

[@Vik7736]

@@Ynalaw I believe you. The donations at the register are screwed up. Even if they did donate all the cash they get the tax deduction. That's why they all do it now. Also, they leverage all the technology that has come on stream in the past few decades, make us run out own purchases and bag it up ourselves, then charge is for the bags AND the prices go up? Scam written all over it.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

I think grocery stores actually have a low markup.

[@tinapetrovicz9741]

@@donnaleeclubb119 I am guessing you don't have food allergies. Anyone who shops in the health food aisles because they need food that is nut free or milk free or gluten free, ect can tell you that there is a huge mark up, like as much as 50%. Besides you just need to read the news to know the big chains are making money, !ots of money

[@simontemplar404]

Staple foodstuffs have gone up 30% in British supermarkets. This is really grim for the poor.

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

See if you can shop the yellow stickers. Good luck, friend.

[@misslanapaulford]

Apparently it's not just England, Australia and B.C.and France is struggling as well..

[@evelinholmes6401]

@@misslanapaulford world wide.

[@jimmoynahan9910]

No they haven't. It's not grim for anyone, food in the UK is still among the cheapest in the Western world.

[@simontemplar404]

@@jimmoynahan9910 Sugar has almost doubled in two years from 50p per kilo to 95p per kilo. Sure it is only an ingredient and not a staple but everything else is going the same way. Sardines up from 30p to 45p a can - that is a 50% increase.

[@somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway]

Typical CBC article ( I'm amazed the comment section is on this time) Out of touch family clearly well off enough to afford lavish self centered beauty salon visits. Talks about rising food costs. Why not interview real struggling families ? Seniors who can't afford rent and food on fixed income etc. Typical CBC bandaid Article.

[@vanessacaltabiano9775]

Greetings from Australia. Same issues here❤️

[@100200songlin]

Here’s a tip. Buy bread in bulk. Then freeze them. When you want to eat. Heat it up. It’s the same and basically don’t expire

[@purple7vi0let]

What is the nutritional value of bread? It’s just carbs. Not tasty… and not great for health

[@lifefordummies]

or make it? it has 3 ingredients.

[@jasondrummond9451]

Not everyone has a large freezer - a lot of people are stuck with the dinky fridge top thing.

[@sonyaberry9805]

I buy 2 loaves one for the fridge & one for the freezer. When the fridge one is gone pull from the freezer.

[@Nisa-gm5wg]

Tastes better and you know what’s in it if you make it from scratch

[@adim00lah]

Coupons mostly are for processed foods and name brands. You don't really see coupons for fresh fruits / veggies or dried beans etc....

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

Yes coupons for processed garbage are plentiful.

[@RiDankulous]

Over time I have come to view coupons simply as advertisements. IN any case, the food products I buy are invariably generic and healthy staple foods with comparatively low prices. This is different than my first 48 years when I ate standard western diet junk.

[@adim00lah]

@@RiDankulous That's all it really is, advertisement for their poison, it's sad they know the lower prices entice people who are on a budget, it's predatory.

[@catherinewilson1079]

And grocery companies profits went up by 30% ☹️☹️☹️

[@SnowWhite-hr4ho]

Time to take them to court

[@jasondrummond9451]

@@SnowWhite-hr4ho Time to tax back their excess profits.

[@asimskentzos9231]

I work with 2 women who complain when they get paid it all goes away fast. these women probably eat half of their pay on take out. I see them bring in their breakfast from Mcdonalds and lunch from the food market across the street, EVERYDAY!!!!

[@happycook6737]

McDonald's Breakfast is horrible and costs $12. 😲I was traveling and needed breakfast. I pulled in the drive thru, saw the price and drove in out. Bought fruit, peanut butter and bread at grocery and got several meals for my $7

[@abbeyl6115]

It is the grocery deli I buy sushi and a side of seaweed salad. Combined $20. Saves gas and time away from the drive thru. Very nutritious. Makes two meals.

[@Nisa-gm5wg]

Don’t forget the expensive daily coffee run too. There’s always a line wrapped around Starbucks when I pass it ( at least $5 for a small latte,). You know that’s not all they are getting there too. My daughter( who’s away at college) said she would treat herself to coffee and croissant about 2 days a week (Starbucks is unfortunately located on campus at the student center😖). She spent right at $10 for that ($20 since she goes twice). I bought her bulk croissants (at Sams for under $5 , creamer $7 and Folgers coffee for $13). The croissants last 5 weeks (12 in the package and easily freeze) and the coffee and cream last the whole semester (4 months). So she went from spending $80 a month to $10. You can easily look up on You Tube copy cat Starbucks coffee recipes for free. Now just imagine what those college kids are spending that have to have it daily. Just ridiculous. Lesson learned for her and now she’s more conscious about what’s she spends. She even FaceTimes me to go over her grocery list and meal plan ( not on the meal plan at school cause she said it was awful). That saves us money cause that meal plan was 2 thousand.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

IKR. I work with someone who eats out EVERYDAY, sometimes TWO MEALS!!! How does she do it?

[@StarLight-sl9ok]

Yup, or the people who complain about prices but are too snobby to shop at cheaper stores. Ridiculous lol.

[@gwynethgrove772]

It’s the same in the Uk. I grow most of our veg, cook cheap nutritious meals from scratch, freeze, pickle and jar food on a pension and cook meals for a local old age luncheon club. It’s what older people grew up having to do.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

budgeting as much as possible

[@SharleneMcKinnon]

I'll add more tips beyond the obvious: 1. Wean yourself off packaged foods and learn how to make food from scratch. Involve kids in the process. 2. If possible where you live, shop at ethnic markets where food is cheaper. Many of these markets chop and freeze their extra produce to sell at a discount. 3. Get inspiration from countries where millions of people eat easy, delicious food for pennies a meal. Beans, rice and seasonal veggies feed many mouthes for less than $5. 4. Learn how to cook using spices and tofu. Buy bulk spices from ethnic markets or online. 5. Expensive foods that don't freeze well (lettuce, kale, herbs) can be grown in a window, in buckets/jars/cans. They don't even need soil, and you can regrow supermarket lettuce, leeks, green onions from cuttings. 6. Any veggies/fruits that aren't used at the end of the week are frozen or thrown into a soup, spaghetti sauce, chilli, salsa, or into breakfast bowls. If picky eaters don't like the "chunks," blend it. 7. Finally, throw out all assumptions about what can't be done. I recently started growing kale, jalapenos and cherry tomatoes in the dark, cold garage using simple LEDs (winter in Canada)... the success (and abundance) shocked me.

[@happycook6737]

Wow about growing in your garage! Amazing and so smart 🤩.

[@andreamortimer2610]

Totally agree with you: it's time for people to take back control over their food and to also get away from convenience items. Thinking outside the box and taking the initiative to change our habits is all it takes. I'm living in the Midwest and already have cold-hardy veggies under a coldframe (created from piping and clear plastic) growing outside that I started under LEDs. It's amazing what can be done with a little bit of elbow grease and imagination.

[@PoeLemic]

SM ... Also, steal when they are busy. That's what I'm teaching my kids. That way, you can save that money for the other stuff. We're not that bad. We only steal meat & canned stuff.

[@andreamortimer2610]

@@PoeLemic "Also, steal when they are busy. That's what I'm teaching my kids." Ehm ... NO!!! 🤨🤨 Sure hope you were just being a smarta$$!

[@sct4040]

Don’t buy cereal, buy bulk box of oatmeal from Costco. Make oatmeal treats for snacks.

[@happycook6737]

My local grocery store sells oatmeal cheaper than Costco. Price everything per ounce and compare every time as prices are continually fluctuating.

[@abbeyl6115]

Last grocery trip, I bought same price, same amount weighed package, same brand each of Muesli and Granola. My granny eyes and also in a busy store makes it more difficult to analyze things. Brought the packages home. Same identical ingredients, but the granola had more sugars. The granola calorie count about 160 more than the Muesli. I could now probably make my own Muesli if I can source the ingredients at the same time. Decanted both packages together. Only thing I am truly missing is unsweetened coconut flakes.

[@sheila3936]

Oats really are versatile. I make several versions of oatmeal I rotate through, homemade granola, oatmeal squares, cookies, granola bars, oat flour, oat milk, as a binder and filler for meatballs or meatloaf.

[@andreawallenberger2668]

​@@sheila3936 making my own oat milk and my own almond milk at home is a research this month, stock up + begin next month idea for me tbh

[@AA14CBF]

Canning jars are free. I picked up Classico jars from recycle bins. Produce are cheap in summer time and prep things up before winter.

[@cm9743]

The only thing with the Classico jars is to be careful when used for pressure canning. To water bath with them would be fine though.

[@AA14CBF]

@@cm9743 I don't have a pressure canner. :) And I don't plan on keeping the food for more than one year.

[@paulawinstead5660]

@@cm9743 false. My twin, after saving and gathering Classico jars from co-workers, uses these in her pressure canner with never an issue to date. She's been canning with these jars for over 6 yrs now with a 100 percent success rate versus store bought canning jars. We will continue to use Classico jars until the company(or the government) gets wind of it and redesigns the jar to where it can't be used for such.

[@cm9743]

@@paulawinstead5660 Hi Paula, what I said is to "be careful" when pressure canning with Classico jars. I did not say do not use them. as this is at the Canner's discretion. I am really glad to hear your Sis has had good success with them, as I have about 18 new Classico jars that I am going use for my fruit, as fruit only requires waterbath.

[@abbeyl6115]

Pressure canning flopped for me. Will look into other ways of canning including cold bath canning...right now, I repurposed my tall canning jars into decanters for beans, lentils and rice(cannot digest pasta). The smaller canning jars work great for fridge or freezer leftovers.

[@sct4040]

I walk into the grocery store, check unit prices, buy cheaper items, and shop only the peripheral of the store. I bake treats, cookies, cook from scratch, don’t buy red meat, only chicken, and some fish (sometimes on sale), beans, soups. Maybe diet, intermittent fasting.

[@alinewright1093]

So many folks have fruit trees that needs to be picked. If volunteers would consider contacting the owners if they would be willing let them pick the fruit to feed people.

[@OneMamaToAnother]

On top of higher wages, we need to change policies that don't allow gardens in place of lawns or prevent people from having chickens or fruit trees. We also need to learn how to cook from scratch and how to preserve and stop wasting food. The increase in food production in England during WWII is a model we should all be following.

[@johnjohnson3390]

We need a price ceiling on food. Corporate greed must stop

[@valeriekehrt7566]

Corporate greed . Rich want to stay rich. Not good.

[@Mr.Patrick_Hung]

Stores where I live, here in China have not had a big price hike and the basics have not gone up. OK, frozen pizza from America is more expensive now; rent, cabbages, beans, pork, rice and rent have not gone up noticeably. The stores here still make lots of money. Food banks are not needed.

[@stevechilders2624]

That’s because we feed you! We stop sending food, and buying your products and you are dead. Your system depends on conquest.

[@sjbutler2330]

That's very interesting. In China food banks are not needed BUT here in Canada and USA there are tons of food banks. What does that tell us? Something is terribly wrong in our country and as a nation we are going downhill!!!

[@stevechilders2624]

Get a job comrade! Vote different! The cost has gone up dramatically since you voted socialist. Wake up and smell the communism…

[@michelehughson1214]

I’m now doing intermittent fasting every 3 weeks. Saves me a lot of time grocery shopping and cooking too!

[@malkeitkaur3046]

I do it too, it helps with better health and easy on my wallet.

[@asimskentzos9231]

not good for diabetics though

[@michelehughson1214]

​@@asimskentzos9231 Intermittent fasting is not for every one but a person with type 2 diabetes can fast 16-8 if he/she isn't taking medication to control the sugar level. Plus, to stay on the subject here, good quality / fresh ingredients that are diabetic friendly are not cheap!

[@shirlysmilesmusic6919]

I do I f everyday and it does save money! Been doing it 3.5 years now!

[@foreverone546]

Facts

[@rebbell308]

I love the fact that she is saving money scrabbling around for food but drives the biggest car I ever seen??

[@helenstewart2085]

School snacks are 3 tablespoons of sugar type stuff usually corn syrup. If people realised that they would never buy them.

[@AngieJames4172]

I don't know Ms. Helen. People are so LAZY these days they buy SO much just out of pure convenience. In my opinion only, I don't think that many of them care how much sugar etc is in it. It's faster and easier to buy that garbage rather than make or take the time to look for healthier options. Respectfully, that is just my own thought/opinion. From what I have seen.

[@wolfc8755]

Many folks don't have access to money-saving apps because they can't afford a smartphone or phone plan.

[@debbieframpton3857]

I shop at Kroger in Central Illinois if you bring it to the cashier's attention they will give you the same discount

[@sonyaberry9805]

If anyone lives in Iowa there is a number you can call (211) and ask how you can get a free or low cost phone. At most libraries you can use the phone for free for a quick emergency call.

[@elevans5758]

Perhaps they could start using common sense to work it out. I lived 60 years without a smart phone and did well just by using my God given brain.

[@abbeyl6115]

Am not a fan of the free cellphones. Limited and frustrating access to the internet. Smaller battery life and they do not hold charges for very long. Hook them up to a portable phone bank and that is a constant 'on-off' cycling I do not care for. Am hearing in many parts of the nation, good reviews for Mint Mobile I think $15 month.

[@sheila3936]

You can still price match using paper flyers. It’s not as convenient but that’s what we did before the apps existed. Coupons can be found in the aisles or front of the store as well.

[@laurasenko952]

That lawn gardening program sounds like a dream.

[@jenniferhamaba1509]

Stop living beyond your means!

[@shaelstrata517]

No one wants to mention this. Stop having kids! The family in the video, says they feed their daughter b4 themselves, then admit they're expecting another child, when they can't afford to currently feed themselves, or their daughter. Having another child, will not help. They'll be diverting even more money, to mountains of diapers, possibly formula, baby food, & possibly day care expenses, as well as a crib, car seat, stroller, baby clothes, [if they didn't save them from the previous child] additional health insurance for the child, etc.

[@darleneprice3492]

I am pushing 70 on fixed income andI have kept my food budget down 20 %constantly since mid 2020 just by making simple changes. I always prepare a meal planning for the month and can be flexible when I find good sale items. I cook 95% from scratch.Only bulk shop once a month the less you enter that store the less you impulse buy. I only keep $15 cash on me should I find I must stop in for an item or two. I never eat fast food but I do enjoy a good quality restaurant meal usually lunch with friends. I keep my heat set at 66 and my a/c at 76 of course I live on the coast in so Texas cold not that big of deal.last months elect was $93.00 I'm all electric here. Hope others find ways to help themselves also.

[@Miss_Sylvie]

Stop buying the processed junk even for school. The more junk you bring into the house the more they eat.

[@stephaniet9264]

I see people in my suburban neighborhood buying a chocolate soda and sugary donut for their 5-year-old for breakfast. It makes me feel like crying. 😢

[@happycook6737]

Yes, processed foods make kids crave and be hungrier. Look at the fill power of a baked potato vs chips!

[@elevans5758]

In my opinion most, so called, super market food is rubbish. I have been mastering the art of living on "next to nix" for many years. The only processed food I buy are usually condiments. When I watch people at the register I can not believe the amount of highly processed junk they are buying. In my experience the more overprossessed stuff they are buying, like pies, pasties, cookies, white bread. sweet fizzy drinks, cereals, processed meat, most of all sausages, tv dinners, 5 min noodles and the list goes on. You are lucky to find any fruit or vegetable in their basket. I buy fresh once a month and save heaps. I also grow my own greens in pots and boxes and buy long lasting vege like pumkin, potato, cabbage, carrots, onions. All food I prepare is freshly cooked and very tasty. When certain items become too expensive I do not buy them on principle, but look for cheaper alternatives. Watching you guys buy all this packetet food makes me feel sick in my gut.

[@happycook6737]

You are right. Also annoying is her saying how much money she "saved" with coupons and apps. Real, home cooked food is much cheaper! Often more nutritious and filling too.

[@sjbutler2330]

I'm surprised that more Canadians have not shown up at a foodbank! Terrible prices for seniors. Cannot access apps. When I cannot afford a cell phone. Not as many specials for me!

[@Landis_Grant]

My Winnipeg rent will rise 3% next year after three straight 0% increase.

[@MFox-tu2co]

CBC SHOULD BE GIVING INFORMATION ABOUT PRACTICAL CANADIAN SAVING TIPS/APPS, Then finish their broadcast with requesting the Federal government to help its Canadian citizens.

[@BeachPeach2010]

Amazing that we have to go back to Victory Gardens in this day and age.

[@johntakolander8613]

Eat cheaper and healthier food: Like buckwheat porridge. Very good, cheap, and healthy!

[@hornedlobster]

Oatmeal is an awesome healthy and affordable option! I like mine with a scoop of peanut butter, a handful of slivered almonds and some brown sugar :)

[@ZoKitchen]

I usually cook at home this way i saved more

[@PoeLemic]

No one wants to start eating porridge, John. What we are doing, is starting to steal some: here & there. Hopefully, we won't get caught, but it sure saves on your grocery bills.

[@sjbutler2330]

The consumer ends up paying for your theft of food! That's us. So I Hope You Get Caught !!!

[@veniqe]

Porridge = diabetes

[@Sharperthanu1]

The problem with growing food on your lawn in a more populated area like that is the local pollution gets into the food you grow and you can smell and taste it.This is why produce is usually grown out in rural areas like like Leamington Ontario and Welland Ontario where the air is cleaner.

[@ambersouthwick3509]

I find in store shopping saves me way more because i can compare prices and utilize the "rot rack" and discount stickers. I also dont buy half the crap she is putting in her cart. Honeycomb cereal is pricey and unnecessary.

[@eyden1562]

"Tips and tricks to help you survive the developed world." 🥴 Maybe you can give the government some 'creative ways to reduce spending', since we the people are not going to the grocery store with $16B like the government does. Maybe, instead of telling the people it's our responsibility to budget our *few* dollars, you should be discussing how our elected officials are SEVERELY overpaid, and our government programs are sorely understaffed. Maybe discuss how the government itself has been causing rapid inflation over the last few decades via printing money and funding foreign projects, and how the government should use ITS OWN resources to manage everything, because that's what it's supposed to do, because people are too busy working in/on/for the societal systems that keeps it all running.

[@knitnkitten]

Agreed!

[@donnaleeclubb119]

Why not let the American people vote on how much money to send to countries who hate us instead of keeping it here. It's our tax dollars. This is not a Democrat or Republican thing. This is a Politician and Government thing.

[@jacquelinelefebvre2395]

Well said!!!

[@N_I_T_Y_A]

RESPECT food🌱🌾 & value it's need & money cost...Stop wasting food...🙏

[@remysavary689]

08:11 please close the door, I can feel the pain of dads around the world.

[@ahill4642]

😂

[@yn3481]

No i will not eat only processed foods because they are cheap

[@abbeyl6115]

Small crockpot lunch today was one can of clam chowder and one can of garbanzo- chickpeas in my small crockpot. Later I sprinkled cayenne pepper. Garbanzo beans adds extra nutrition and fiber. The fiber makes one feel more full. The cayenne pepper also has many health benefits but also raises the body temperature a bit. When the body temps are raised a bit, one is prone to feel less hungry. I sprinkle lightly...for a dessert, I bought a sweet potato weighed in just over one pound. Cost about $1.75. Diced it, placed it in a lidded casserole dish with a bit of water to steam, soften. 350F, convection setting, 30minutes. When done, mixed in half teaspoon of ginger and also cinnamon with orange marmalade. Added butter. Very yummy. Cinnamon also with bananas. Cinnamon helps also raise the body temp a bit so one does not tend to feel as hungry. Rarely eat meat, beans and lentils or only one brand of peanut butter. Trying to lose some weight also this year, incorporating more veggies and fruits with my meals a huge goal this year...on my shopping trips, I like to go to one stores deli for sushi with fish and a side of seaweed salad. Both cost me $20. Breaks down to two healthy meals and one less trip thru the drive through. Transporting home I do need to be more careful. My body getting older with a few health issues starting in, and basically any fastfood my body cannot handle anymore unless it is a burger wrapped in lettuce. Highly processed breads I can no longer eat.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Great examples.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

You are FABULOUS!!

[@AngieJames4172]

I much prefer a burger without the bread as well.

[@frankieamsden7918]

Excellent advice, thank you

[@kbm4409]

It's like this here in Tallahassee Florida..I looked for eggs and I mean store brand and for a dozen of medium eggs was $8.94... this is ridiculous...

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

It's about that in NJ for pasture raised

[@PoeLemic]

I've learned an easy way to deal with increased prices. What we're doing is starting steal. That's easiest way to pay less on your grocery bill.

[@sjbutler2330]

Why are eggs so expensive there in florida? In Canada they are $3.99 a dozen.

[@kbm4409]

Some of the egg prices have gone down but some have not

[@tinapetrovicz9741]

Number one way to save is to meal plan starting with what you already have, so you are not wasting food. Buy meat on special or in bulk from a slaughterhouse or meat packers, if possible to freeze. Making stews, soups and casseroles to use less meat per meal. We also buy from a local fruit and veg stand which is open from the May long until Thanksgiving. The produce is fresher, the price is 1/2 to a 1/3 less than the Valu-mart (Loblaws). We can and freeze some of it for use in the off season.

[@kate01141]

I really like the interviewer and he gave a great perspective about how we have to change the way we do things. It may not be fair that prices are going up so much but we have to be willing to adapt.

[@livee9641]

I 100 💯 ❤️ this informed video about rising food cost and they different ways amazingly creative! Excellent job!

[@stephaniedeegan853]

There is so much waste from stores. They would rather let it rot than sell it for a responsible price. What’s more farmers have to throw away, or plow under tons of food that is deemed not perfect for supermarket shelves.

[@suec9816]

also hard to find store brand products now

[@rebeccav.3734]

I do intermittent fasting. 3 meals a day, all healthy foods, no overpriced processed junk. Don't have to buy any snacks (the so called healthy snacks are even more expensive and not really any more healthy). Make my own coffee at home, otherwise I drink water or tea. I shop in-store only, I noticed that even placing an order for pickup, the items on the website are more expensive than they would be shopping in the store. I shop once a week and eat the same three meals all week. It's a bit boring that way but I know food won't go to waste because it's all portioned out in containers by days.

[@knighthawk34ps3]

Intermediate fasting requires long periods without eating. You’re not doing that have a breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[@wedm3528]

It’s not because of minimum wages. Increasing the minimum wage would be only making the food price rises more and get into a vicious circle.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Want to be paid more? Bring more skill

[@salttpeppa]

Learn how to shop better, watch your unit price comparison.

[@luckylunaloops]

Exactly. I fear too many just look at the box/can/whatever and simply grab the one that has the lowest total price. But it's actually that smaller print under the price that you need to pay attention to: cost per pound, per ounce, etc.

[@hornedlobster]

Great tip! I wish the video actually mentioned good tips like this.

[@suzanaslejmar6166]

It's not only in Canada I live in Europe now and the price's go up over night. On most things.

[@samsonsilverhand5159]

I went to the shop yesterday and was shocked at the price of a teeny little jar of corn. Doesn't help that I remember when it was 10 ears for a buck....now it's more than €3 for a jar that holds an ear and a half at best.

[@AngieJames4172]

Much the same in the USA, it's crazy. Some places are not even stocked.

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I buy the yellow sticker tags

[@PoeLemic]

I've learned an easy way to deal with increased prices. What we're doing is starting steal. That's easiest way to pay less on your grocery bill.

[@ahill4642]

@@PoeLemic If you’re joking that’s not funny. If you’re serious, you’re a terrible example of how to live. There are dozens of tips in these comments, there are food banks. C’mon now.

[@clschaan]

I buy meat in bulk, cook my own dry beans, make freezer meals, bake, coupon and use rebate apps and am still struggling.

[@elevans5758]

Using ones garden to grow food makes common sense. I have been through a war and several depressions and the most depressive thing is for me the lack of common sense in people. I would suggest to switch on the brain and mobilize ones creativity to take logical steps. If you can not come up with anything ask your grandma instead trying to reinvent the wheel.

[@krystleraymond7906]

Hail destroys fresh growing veg like this multiple times a summer in Calgary. It's a battle not worth fighting.

[@ahill4642]

You’re right about asking grandma… these things are lost arts that are no longer family standards/taught. It’s a lot of work and one needs to know what they’re doing.

[@helifynoe9930]

You have to learn the tricks. I used to typically shop at the grocery store No Frills, but eventually had to shop elsewhere to save money. For instance, on Jan 16 2023 I spent a total of $92.66 on food. I then compared what the cost would be for the same items if I was still shopping at the other store, and it turned out to be $182.98. WOW ! The reason that I had done the recent comparison was because the prices shot up again where I now shop, and so I was getting worried that where I shop now might not be as good as I thought. Well I felt a lot better after that comparison.

[@helifynoe9930]

@@thehazelnutspread Surviving on a DNR ODSP disability income here in Toronto, I had to find a way. (DNR- Damn Near Nothing ) LOL. At one of the stores where I now shop, the first letters of each of its 3 word name were not lighting up at night, due to bad power supplies that were connected to these specific letters. The result therefore appeared as, " HOPPERS RUG ART ". That's clue number 1. Anyhow, I purchase only items that are on sale, which therefore are the same or better than No Frills prices, and I purchase the goods only on the x20 days when you get 20 times more than the normal amount of PC Optimum points per dollar spent (15 points per dollar x 20 = 300 pts per dollar spent). Then I use my points only on BONUS days when 100,000 points is not worth $100, but is worth $140 instead. So , ( $100 x 15 points x 20 x 1.4 = 42,000 points ), and I also take advantage of the digital coupons that they send to me, and so those will add at least another 8,000 points to the 42,000 points, thus to bring it up to 50,000 pts, thus giving me $50 in return. And so, spend $100 and get at least $50 back. Currently I have 221,118 PC Optimum points, and so that will be worth roughly $300 on the BONUS day.

[@Sinaeb]

@@helifynoe9930 most effective way to help yourself : get other people to care to vote

[@helifynoe9930]

@@Sinaeb Well I just used 100,000 of my collection of PC Optimum points today, due to it being a Bonus day, and to stock up some more. And so the 100,000 points covers $140 worth of goods. So I racked up $143.17 worth of goods, plus $7.01 tax( $150.18 total ) thus I had to pay $10.18 with my credit card. But not to worry, since I also had obtained 9045 PC Optimum digital coupon points at the same time. That, on the next Bonus day, will be worth 9045 * 1.4 = $12.66. So that will cover my credit card payment of $10.18, plus more. Fun stuff.

[@janellep2821]

I’ve been doing this since before the pandemic, and stores that don’t pricematch, it forces you to go get these deals at multiple stores, wasting more gas. I mostly shop at no frills for optimum points, price match with select stores that they allow and either leave what isn’t on sale or just end up having to get it if it’s a necessity. It isn’t worth going to multiple stores for the flyer deals.

[@PoeLemic]

What we're doing is starting steal. That's easiest way to pay less on your grocery bill.

[@shizuokaBLUES]

A small garden plot can, if you do it well, save a lot and add fresh vegetables to your diet. Bake your own bread. Cut beef and fish and processed food out AMAP, and make curries, stews, soups and chillies and freeze them. You’ll also find that sharing aforementioned foods with friends and neighbours will bring other types of food your way. Rip up part of your back lawn and grow potatoes. Add kale and spinach and Swiss chard. It will happen quickly and you can freeze it all.

[@spicycopper2436]

A friend told me to start using half the amount of meat that a recipe calls for and add more veggies. I started doing this. Also, I only purchase meat on sale and good deal.

[@Nisa-gm5wg]

@@spicycopper2436 your friend was correct. You won’t know the difference either

[@MaritsaDarman]

Yeah no working mom with a full time job has time to do this especially in a big city where getting to places is so exhausting due to the traffic

[@inmerava]

I don't buy lettuce any more.

[@mak2867]

We use celery leaves instead of lettuce.

[@erinlennon6036]

I grow it, so we only have it in the summer; I am looking at getting a small greenhouse to extend the season.

[@catslove3884]

How long before the government taxes us for having a garden? After all, they tax for a well or a dugout.

[@michellerenner6880]

We should be ashamed of the disparity between the 1% (price gougers) and the average Canadian.

[@hunterslaptop7024]

Oh com'on. Just because Justin gives out freebees to his pals shouldnt upset you. The multi multi billionaires like Loblaws needed those $12,000,000 in free fridges. You sound just like Singh. You know, the guy in pricey suits wearing a Rolex that keeps our gov in power. He laughs at the belief that a man in a white beard will bring you presents for free, but then tells you that Karl Marx will. You Marxist love to call the 1% things like price gougers, but I like to call the rich other names like "customers".

[@annomaly751]

Good point

[@abbeyl6115]

@Dev Dalling What does one get for a $6000 night room? Or.. should I even ask?

[@sjbutler2330]

And the Prime ministers groceries are paid for as well!!!

[@Tarapeutic]

Having a garden is great but once you factor in soil, pots, seeds (seedlings?) and various other things to get set up, it might not be the most economical. I garden anyway because it's amazing but it's not always a time or money saver. Personally my biggest tips for saving on groceries include batch cooking and freezing things, using things up before they spoil (or freezing them for later,) buying items in season, shopping at the cheapest store (walmart or superstore) and not places like Safeway, and shopping less frequently. Running a "pantry challenge" is always fun too, using up what you already have can buy you a lot of budget freedom in the meantime and challenge your cooking skills. Staples like flour, eggs, sugar, etc are much cheaper than prepackaged foods. I rarely buy things like chips, chocolate bars, cookies, etc. If I want something, I have to make it! Bread included!

[@brycefarrell9623]

Tear up those lawns and grow, use pots and grow bags for small spaces and greenstalk towers are great if minimal room, indoor sprouting is great for greens more nutritious than lettuce.

[@SnowWhite-hr4ho]

Actually my grandmothers did exactly that during WW2 it was called a victory garden Google it

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

@@SnowWhite-hr4hodig for victory!

[@abbeyl6115]

My new apartment has a solid bench on the front porch. Am not allowed any gardening container larger than 18inches in diameter. Am considering at least one vertical planting pot. That would not me space for three or four more containers. No leave rules mentioned on the porch floor. Like others, am going to add in a pot or two. One a large circular spring flower size and will be adding in different cat grasses and catnip. Insanity at it's best?

[@DancingOnGlass89]

What do you do when this was already the go to? Tried 5 years in a row to grow a garden but all of my yard is too shaded. I have had to squirrel proof it too. someone got a yard I can use?

[@abbeyl6115]

Lived in several apartments. Sometimes I would want to scream at people that not all apartment dwellers have the window set ups for even small gardens. Farmers Markets are helpful but getting more and more expensive. Am planning to get a dehydrator so dried foods I can add to basic soups and salads. Am thinking also buying frozen food in bulk at the end of the seasons as many suggest will dehydrate better. My county tends to have power outages especially at night, so I do not care to have too much in the freezer other than more ice than anything else. Canning I was excited about but turned out a flop. I now use those jars for food decanters for dried goods and get those items out of plastic as soon as I get home.

[@jacquiollard8784]

indoor set up with grow lights and hydroponics

[@manslynchau3411]

suggestion: 1) googles: many veggie can be grown in shaded areas, 2) do the sprouting, 3) have a vertical planting plan and add the cage to protect the plants. 4) including hot pepper and herbs for growing to repel the animals. 5) find a local community garden to join.

[@julielevesque2668]

Some of us don't have a car to go to several stores. Walmart is pretty cheap. When we don't have a car we are limited to walking distance stores or on the way home from work. I will not spend an extra 2 hours on a saturday to take buses to go save $20...2 hours is like $10 an hour, my time is also worth money. The prices of food should be the same in every store and throughout the entire country!

[@happycook6737]

When I had no car, once every 2 months I took the bus to Walmart. I shopped for 2 months' supplies. Took a taxi home. My savings was $300 after I paid the taxi. It was worth it for me. I think today my savings would be even higher.

[@ahill4642]

Someone mentioned that grocery delivery is cheaper than taking a cab. Something to consider.

[@kristenmkerber]

Besides humanity growing overly lazy and ignorant, myself not discluded. The main drain of income source is paying Rent in BC.

[@ahill4642]

amen about rent, GD ridiculous

[@sunshine_grass]

Just a head of lettuce would cost 5 dollars! that's incredible, ridiculous and insane!

[@elevans5758]

don't buy lettuce. Cabbage is tastier, more versatile and lasts about a month in your fridge.

[@sunshine_grass]

@@elevans5758 i dont't know how much is cabbage for a pound?

[@LadyOfRain1]

Exactly! Everytime someone mentions a $6 head of lettuce (it's referenced a LOT), I wonder where the heck they are shopping?! I can get a BIG head of romaine, that would make 2 salads for my family of 5 to have with dinners or myself a salad everyday for a week for $3.98. It makes me wonder what else they are unknowingly overpaying for!

[@andreamortimer2610]

@@sunshine_grass $1.49/lb (Midwest) for cabbage. Keep in mind that cabbage has a much higher nutritional value than lettuce!

[@shelly7017]

It is so easy to grow, just about anyone can grow some!

[@paco1443]

Thanks to DAVOS.

[@tomnautilus]

Step 1 don't shop at Metro or Loblaws.

[@veronikahellsnova7510]

What is the solution!!! Stop paying people that are working in the parliament big salary $$$$ ,the goverment of canada and québec they have big salary and good pension plan ,these people do not no what is minimum wage .Reduce taxes on fuel and diesel ,do not forget the truckers it cost them a lot of money in diesel ,so help them to ,we have food and other items in groceries it is because of them . the goverment they do not care about poor people .

[@lorenzomabalos9851]

Axe the carbon tax

[@JHW44]

Don’t fire truckers

[@seaside2001]

My family had to leave the Vancouver area to get a job in another Province, to live in a very much less expensive area. It is just what you have to do. You cannot rely on handouts.

[@livingmybestlife3186]

I miss Surrey,BC that is Nordel way. Had leave BC due to the cost of living. Unfortunately Alberta is same going the same way and I have no doubt they will force a second tax by 2024 or 2025 saying if we don’t the medical system will collapse.

[@imisstoronto3121]

I was shocked at the prices in AB when I moved here in 2013. At least 6-10% more than Ontario and FFS we're near the Okaganagan and fruit in AB is unbelievably $$$$ I stopped buying fresh and live on canned.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

I grew up with germany

[@belbe417]

doing things like sharing costs with another family member or friend to buy bulk items you both use to get better prices, if you have a favorite treat or drink ask for those as gifts instead of the usual thing you may not use. i like to give as a gift something practical or edible and something fun like movie ticket or experience.

[@chloesheler1927]

I don’t know if Ibotta runs in Canada, but it has helped me tremendously!

[@frankieamsden7918]

What is Ibotta?

[@reganbarnes6424]

It’s a coupon app.

[@alexisg7644]

It doesn’t, but there is checkout 51 and Caddle which are similar

[@Zidlef]

When a head of lettuce gets above 4$ because it is winter, then don't buy them, there are other vegetables to choose from cheaper. Snacks from stores are not a necessity, learn to bake and make yourselves better snacks. As i said to my kids, chips and popcorn are snacks, but do you prefer them or get a good meal, your choice ?? funny they always chose a good meal. People have been getting lazier and lazier in the last 30 years, and a lot of people cannot cook or hadn't been thought by their grand ma or grand pa how to cook and what to cook sadly. Then slipping into the grocery industry to spend money where they do not have too in reality. Buying frozen dinner, plates etc, are not a meal, they are just food like in the movie Soylent green!!!! This movie had foretold the direction of the industry, worth the watch. Make a garden to grow potatos, rutabagga, garlic, seasonal greens, tomatos, corn, radishes, spring onions, etc and you'd save a lot more. Asian, European, Mid Eastern, stores and other types have great prices and variety as well also, just got to widen your horizons ;-)

[@2wheelsforever174]

Ya honeycomb cereal isn’t necessary food in my books

[@wolfc8755]

@@2wheelsforever174 All ready-to-eat cereal is a scam, price wise - and always has been. It's a vastly over-priced, highly processed food that is VERY cheap to mass-produce, provides almost no nutritional value, and typically costs more (often WAY more), per weight and/or serving than REAL foods like meat and veg (or cereal grains that need to be cooked). But thanks to lots and lots of savvy marketing since its invention, consumers are still falling for the so-called "convenience" and false perception that it's a healthy food choice. So the habit of throwing away hard-earned dollars on ready-to-eat cereal continues unabated and unquestioned - even in the midst of economic crisis.

[@catherinewilson1079]

Oh wow! Soylent green was a super scary movie to me!!! I need to lose some weight so intermittent fasting and eating only real food is the ticket right now! They can stuff their iceberg lettuce at $5 a head! I buy what’s on sale and work around that!

[@2wheelsforever174]

@@wolfc8755 Absolutely. A big bag of old fashioned oats is in my cupboard. If we provide free healthcare, part of that budget needs to be on nutrition education, that it makes sense financially is an important bonus

[@jasondrummond9451]

Not everyone - especially not in B.C. - has any land to grow veggies on. I live in an apartment with a north facing balcony, that has overhanging trees. All I can grow is moss. (However, as an aside - popcorn is a cheap snack if you pop it yourself. Not the microwave stuff.)

[@burntearth85]

Just takes sacrifice, just like the 80s. We couldn't afford lots then either, so you just make do.

[@23pinkpear]

I use baking soda instead of laundry soap I spend $20 a year washing my clothes

[@happycook6737]

My friend tried that and ruined her $1200 HE washing machine. We have hard water. Repair guy says he sees this all the time! Maybe I'd be hand washing if I used homemade soap.

[@23pinkpear]

@@happycook6737 yikes! Good lookin out thanks for the heads up

[@abbeyl6115]

@@happycook6737 Recently bought a twin tub. Upgraded from years of bathtub washing in a bucket with plunger. I was planning to move but not sure when or where and did not want to hassle with a full sized wash machine. Used a Ninja Spinner ..worked diligently at the last place to rinse clean and the rinse water in the Ninja indicated clean by clear water. Once I moved and purchased a Ninja, the HE soap residue as I started washing one article of larger clothes separately including sweatshirts and towels, the soap coming out of these items even though I did not add soap to my twin tub was an incredible amount. At my last apartment, I would even add more water ratio to HE detergent and vigoursly shake the container each time before I started my handwashing. My twin tub does an excellent job pulling out all of the HE soap that superglues, embeds itself into clothes and towels. Am now to a level that I did need to add laundry soap. Even watered down and a tiny drop or two at a time, just way too much soap. I now take an empty container and add tiny amounts equal of HE laundrysoap and Dawn dishsoap. Dawn will clean and suds the clothes but also the rinsing is much easier and I am sure good for my twin tub which is not an HE washer.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

I buy whatever liquid laundry soap i want and use 1/3 cup and 1/3 cup baking soda. Comes out fresh. Been doing it for years. Only buy laundry soap once or twice a year. You can also use generic type Pine Sol or Fabuloso in the rinse cycle for extra disinfectant. It's only $1.25 and lasts forever and smells great. I also use 1/3 cup in the Rinse cycle. Been doing it for years. No high priced laundry for me.

[@hocuspocus8433]

WHY would a country like canada with so many lands and ressources have to deal with high food prices, housing problems...health insurance/health system problems?! This country has large lands, gas, oil, water....free wind energy! Something is VERY wrong in the system

[@krystleraymond7906]

It'll. Never. Correct.

[@christopherstrong880]

Plant food helps lots!!

[@CanadianJustFedUp]

I have been buying items only on sale since the 1990’s when GST was implemented. Many Corporations did not take off the 8% manufacture tax when GST was implemented. This has pissed me off for 30 years!

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

Supermarkets believe you will always buy the same amount of groceries regardless of price. Not so. I buy half as much as I used to now. And if prices keep on going up, I will buy even less.

[@XMG3]

today is june 4, 2023. I bought a few pears and a milk tea, it cost me $15, this was at the local mom and pop produce at kensington burnaby BC

[@Dobemandan]

2nd child is the answer. 🤦🏻

[@jasseyjefferr7787]

Look at the stock price of Loblaws Inc.

[@briansaunders9654]

I find it hard to understand why if the minimum wage in bc is 15.50 why would you live in Vancouver . If a couple works 2 min wage jobs that's about 65000 a year based on 40 hrs each. As a couple of seniors living in Ontario last year we grossed 39000. In the middle of covid we saw no reason to rob our piggy bank. We have always lived below our means and don't feel deprived . Its not just what you spend at the grocery store its your whole life style .we have always been creative and almost never pay full price for anything. If you are hard core about living in an expensive city it might be time to rethink your goals .

[@katydid2877]

Many are very spoiled. They want what they want when they want it. And if they can’t afford it your tax dollars should just pay to give it to them for free. Definitely their whole lifestyle.

[@matalynaustin8319]

I watch CBS marketplace. I’m from America and the things that y’all talk about on this and CBS. Lets me know that America is starting to become like a Third World country. We’ve had these problems for years before Covid. It has always been cheaper in America to get junk food then it is to buy produce or meat. I feel bad that Canada is having to go through what we’ve been going through for a long time where I live before Covid a gallon of milk because our milk doesn’t come in bags would cost you $7.39-$9., since Covid grocery bills for a house of two in the state that I live in is $700-$1200 a month just for basic necessities and people can’t live with grocery bill said high and rent even higher.

[@gandalf3469]

My duaght Lee hunts and find online and in store coupons. When we shop we buy for a couple months and bill could be for 1000-1200. By the time we use all the coupons and savings my Duaghter has put together we normally have about 25% off our cost. This saves us a lot. On top of that she normally takes pictures of the bill and this last year got over $800 back. She waits till the end of the year and a check is sent out to her. So it’s a savings on purchase and at the end of year we get cash back which has been a big help

[@elaine8477]

Get pieces of avocado frozen (say 1/6 of an avocado). Thaw and eat one with each meal to greatly increase nutrient absorption and get the most ouf of salads.

[@OGThunderbird]

1st of all stop buying honeycomb cereal Lol

[@happycook6737]

So true!

[@abbeyl6115]

Those cereals my teens and toddlers eat. They do have some nutrition. Recently moved and it's been awhile since I have baked which is on the To Do list. Until then, their mom only allows her kids these snacks as a treat if me, their Granny buys them. That and no sugared pop tarts although the sales pic last week showed u sugared but nothing on the shelf. For a very rare treat, the kids got to share a box of sugared. Their mom and I now trying to 'train' or 'teach' the kids to eat these treats slowly and enjoy.

[@Occilocia]

Wow a head of lettuce at 6 dollars what the heck....Here in France and mostly in the EU we pay for an organic head of lettuce we pay 2,17 canadian dollars, (1.50 euros) for a large lettuce directly at the farmer, and here overprocessed food does cost more than when you are cooking stuff yourself, and in my view this is the way it should be... What your farmers doing ? Don't they sell directly to the end consumer too ? Good luck people, keep the good work and support up...

[@candace3493]

Loblaws executives should have found creative ways to not give themselves bonuses instead.