As Canadians gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on their blessings, the rising cost of groceries has become an increasingly pressing concern for many households.
The price tag for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings, has significantly increased in recent times, prompting calls for more affordable food options.
Charles Levkoe, an associate professor at Lakehead University, noted, “Things are getting worse, and too many people are struggling to make ends meet.”
Statistics Canada’s data reveals that in August of this year, there was a notable 6.8 percent increase in food prices compared to August 2022, marking a substantial 17.3 percent surge over the past two years.
This inflationary trend has not gone unnoticed during this Thanksgiving season, with many shoppers feeling the financial strain. Consequently, some are making adjustments to their holiday menus by omitting costlier items.
Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, remarked, “People are really on the hunt this year to try and put together an affordable Thanksgiving, and it may not be the traditional Thanksgiving that we are used to seeing.”
The local food bank has reported a remarkable 30 to 40 percent surge in client demand this Thanksgiving compared to the previous year, underscoring the ongoing need for food assistance.
Wilhelm emphasized that this demand is not isolated to the holiday season but is a year-round challenge, impacting individuals and families daily.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for some relief in the near future. Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University noted, “Based on our forecast last year, we are expecting the food inflation rate to end at about five percent by the end of this year.”
To address the issue, the annual Onkel Hans Food Drive returns as part of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Volunteers will collect cash donations and non-perishable food items for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, offering an opportunity for the community to come together and support those facing food insecurity during this holiday season and beyond.
