BY SIMONE J. SMITH
The issue of food affordability remains a top concern as prices continued to rise throughout the year. Food Bank Canada’s 2023 Hunger Count revealed there were nearly two million visits to food banks in Canada, a 32% increase compared to March 2022 and a very significant 78.5% increase over March 2019. This is the highest level of food bank use in Canada on record.
Canada’s Food Price Report provides readers with predictions on estimated annual food expenditures for individual consumers based on their age and gender. This allows readers to construct their household and estimate their corresponding annual food expenditures to reflect their reality.
The report found that there were widespread concerns about corporate behaviour, with allegations of profiteering by Canada’s major grocery chains frequently reported in the media and the subject of government attention.
A significant 30.3% of Canadians believed that price gouging was the primary reason for the escalating food prices. Trust in the food and grocery sector came into question once more as the Canada Bread Company pleaded guilty to four counts of price- fixing under the Competition Act. These violations resulted in two price increases, in 2007 and 2011, and a fine of $50 million. Price gouging remained a concern through 2023, but Bank of Canada data indicated that while firms’ measured markups did grow after COVID-19, the markup was inflationary.
So; I have presented our problem. What solutions are out there to help with the pinch?
I came across the Flashfood app, a powerful tool that was made with the intent to help you save money on groceries. They offer fresh produce, meat, dairy and bakery items at half price, available for pickup at your local grocery store.
I had a chance to chit chat with Esther Cohn, Director of Communications at Flashfood, and she was able to go into more detail about how this app could be of benefit to our readers.
“The holiday season is a time for families to spend time together and celebrate the joy and gratitude of the year, but with rising prices and a lot of things to buy it can also be a strain on grocery budgets, Esther begins. “If you want to save during a time of high-spending, one great way is by planning meals in advance—shopping off your list helps cut down on impulse purchases. Also, we recommend shopping in-season or on-sale produce or splitting bulk items with neighbors or friends are also simple, cost-effective strategies.”
“Are there any specific categories, or products that are seeing a surge in popularity due to rising prices?”
“Fresh foods like produce, meat, and dairy are consistently in high demand,” shares Esther. “These staples, while essential, are often the first to feel the pinch of rising prices, making them harder for families to afford. We believe no one should have to compromise on the quality, or quantity of food for their families, and that’s where Flashfood can be a really powerful tool for people to put center-of-plate, high nutrition items on the table more often.”
“How effective has Flashfood been in helping families save money on groceries and reduce food waste?”
“Flashfood has made a tangible impact for Toronto families this year, saving them over $1.14 million on groceries, which equals more than 390,000 pounds of food going to dinner tables instead of landfills. Nationally, the results are even more powerful: Canadians have collectively saved more than $44 million this year, while keeping 16.6 million pounds of food from going to waste.”
“We have more than 1.5 million users across North America, many of whom use Flashfood every day to afford groceries. I chatted with someone this week who reduced her family’s grocery bill from $300 per trip to $100 per trip, and they were eating more fresh produce than ever.”
“How can families make use of Flashfood to reduce their grocery bills and save on food waste?”
“Flashfood is a free app available on whatever smartphone platform you use. We partner with grocery stores to take their surplus food and list it on our app for 50% off, helping shoppers find great deals on produce, meat, dairy and more. You browse the app to find specific items at nearby stores, add them to your cart, purchase in the app and pick them up in-store.”
“For families looking to get the most out of Flashfood, I recommend checking the app daily as new deals are posted every morning. You can combine Flashfood with your regular shopping to maximize savings, especially when buying in bulk or for larger meals. It’s an easy and effective way to save money.”
Well, at least there is a little relief on the horizon. I would love to hear from community members who find and use this app. Let me know if it is helpful, and then spread the word. Each one, teach one.
REFERENCES:
https://flashfood.com/
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