Lakehead University Researchers Study Northern Food Prices

THUNDER BAY – Through social media campaigns such as Feeding My Family, and the recent Auditor General of Canada’s report in November 2014 we have all become familiar with the extraordinary high cost of food and food issues in northern communities in Canada.

In order to further explore this issue we launched an online survey, developed with community partners, on November 12, 2014 inviting northern residents in Canada to share their experiences and concerns about food purchasing from their local retailers.

Scope of Northern Food Prices Large Issue

While preliminary findings from northern residents support several of the issues highlighted by the Auditor General’s report, the survey also shows the report does not go far enough in capturing the larger scope of the problems facing northern residents.

Preliminary findings show the greatest concern regarding food purchasing fell within three areas: (1) the high cost of food; (2) the quality of the food available to purchase (e.g., freshness, expired food); and (3) availability and selection/variety of specific foods (e.g., fresh produce, dairy products).

82% stated that their store often or sometimes sold expired food. 57% percent of respondents said perishable food was not usually in good condition. The top food purchased most often was milk and the most preferred food to make more affordable was produce (i.e. fresh fruit and vegetables).

Share Your Northern Food Prices Story

Northern residents are invited to share their experiences and concerns in an online survey available at www.fluidsurveys.com/s/northfoodcosts. The survey will be continue to be available until April 30, 2015.

Dr. Kristin Burnett

Earlier Report: Northern Food Prices.