The cost of living crisis is putting Britain in one of its greatest financial difficulties for a decade. Now the cost of fresh food is skyrocketing at a time when families are forced to decide whether to heat their homes or put food on the table. Exactly how much has your food bill gone up?
How much have food prices increased?
According to the Food Foundation, prices increased by an average of 5.1% in the 12 months to February 2022.
The foundation says food prices rose across all categories, with the biggest increase of 6.7% in oils and fats followed by fruit at 6.2%.
Milk, cheese and eggs increased by 6.1% and meat by 5.2%.
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Suppliers have warned that recent strikes by lorry drivers over fuel costs in Spain could have an effect on the cost of fruit and vegetables in the UK.
Importers say it may take 10 days for supplies of produce such as tomatoes and lettuce to return to normal and costs for businesses could rise by up to 30%.
Additionally, the war in Ukraine is expected to keep food prices high as the conflict continues.
The Food Foundation explains: “Russia and Ukraine combined contribute 12% of the total calories traded in the world, 72% of the world’s sunflower oil and 34% of the world’s wheat market – essential commodities for many countries.
“Families who cannot afford to eat well or heat their homes will have a devastating effect on their health, both physically because they have to rely on less nutritious foods and mentally because of the stress of not able to support their families.
“The government cannot stop a global crisis, but it must do more to mitigate the impact on its citizens in the UK.
“Even if the war ends tomorrow, the impact on food and fuel prices will not reverse immediately and the disruptions that have already occurred will have a permanent effect.
“The government will have to take much stronger action if it wants to prevent us from going from a cost of living crisis to a cost of living emergency.”
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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-03 16:16:52
