Rising food prices are expected to find B.C. residents among the hardest hit in Canada, so states a recent report out of Dalhousie University: Canada’s Food Price Report, released December 5, 2016.
CTV News reporter, Kendra Mongione reported that B.C .can expect the cost of many items, including produce, to rise by 6 per cent or more in 2017.
This expected increase has prompted one local family to act, leading to the development of a new community program – We Care: Fresh Produce.
This group was formed to raise money specifically to support the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for the yearly food hampers. Faith Sonntag originally started fundraising with a penny drive. This penny drive continues, with donations being accepted at the Penny or Under, Monday through Friday from 12-4 p.m., located at 2225 6th Ave in Castlegar.
With family support, this group is now also raising funds out of the Robson Hall with the sponsorship of a regular Flea Market Kitchen.
This new organization has also already obtained the support of two local businesses — The Biggest Little Fruit Stand and Scotiabank.
A falling dollar and the possibility of a US/Mexico Wall, will likely only put increasing pressure on food costs in B.C. over the foreseeable future.
The most vulnerable among us will experience the greatest stress due to lower incomes. Whatever we can do to support this segment of our local population will support and strengthen the network of care already in place in our local community.