Dealing with higher prices for healthy foods

The latest inflation report is reinforcing just how expensive it has been to eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

But local officials say there are some things people can do to try and deal with those higher costs.

Fresh vegetable prices soared 18.2 per cent from a year ago, while the price of fruits jumped 12.9 per cent.

Public Health Dietitian Erin Reyce was asked about dealing with higher prices for healthy foods and using flyers and related-phone apps.

She says people can shop the sales and change up which fruits or vegetables they buy from week to week, depending on what is cheaper.

Meantime, the local Board of Health has recognized the need for food security.

In late January they passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to prioritize the investigation of a basic income guarantee.

They say this income security program would ensure a basic income for all, indexed to inflation, regardless of employment status.

Reyce says they have yet to hear back, but points out it’s only been a few weeks.

Stats Canada reports inflation was 2 per cent in January, up from 1.6 per cent in December.

(With files from The Canadian Press)