As food prices continue to skyrocket, consumers had to shell out almost R600 more in December 2022 for their food baskets than in 2021.
According to the December 2022 Household Affordability Index, compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD), food price data from across the country shows that the cost of the average household food basket increased by R577.24 (13.5%).
Shoppers restocking their shelves after a busy summer month had mixed feelings on whether the recent drop in fuel prices would affect their grocery bill at the end of the month.
Dispatch visited three leading retail chains in East London and compared the average price of eight core food items to their prices back in November:
- 1kg of potatoes had increased by R89c to an average of R15.21;
- 750ml of sunflower oil had increased by R3.67 to an average of R39.99;
- A dozen large eggs increased by R2.67 to an average of R38.65;
- A chicken tray increased by R16.67 to an average of R82.66 per kilo;
- A loaf of brown bread increased by 17c to an average of R10.50;
- 1 litre of milk stayed the same at R15.66;
- 1kg of butternut decreased by 67c to an average of R15.99; and
- 1kg of maize meal increased by 83c to an average of R15.82.
Nationwide, foods which increased by 4% or more included frozen chicken portions, onions, tomatoes, spinach, oranges and apples, tea, and tinned pilchards, according to the PMBEJD.
The steadily rising cost of food affected families with children the most, with the average cost of feeding a child a nutrient-rich diet, when compared with November, increased by R4.82 in December, to a total of R843.47.
When considering the Child Support Grant of R480 a month, the PMBEJD stated that the grant was 28% below the food poverty line of R663 and 43% below the average cost to feed a child.
Calculating the cost of feeding a family of four on a general worker’s salary, buying food is sacrificed for the necessary costs of transport and electricity, which take up 61% of income.
The Index stated: “PMBEJD calculates that workers’ families will underspend on food by a minimum of 58.6% ... In this scenario, there is no possibility of a worker being able to buy proper nutritious food for her family.”
Dispatch spoke to shoppers buying groceries, and they said the rising cost of food meant certain items were sacrificed.
Nomveliso Potelwa, 50, from Dawn said: “I’m here because my cupboards are empty.
“Prices have gone up and if you aren’t employed I don’t know how people are meant to survive.
“I noticed the price of beef went up. I think this may be from fuel prices going up and at least now it has gone down it will make a difference.”
The price of fuel has dropped. A litre of 93 and 95 petrol decreased by R2.06and the wholesale price of 500 ppm and 50 ppm diesel went down by R2.68/l and R2.08/l on Wednesday.
Chirtania Price, 28, from Parkside said: “Food is getting more expensive, but our salaries are not increasing when the cost of food rises.
“Oil is very expensive and it’s something we need so we make sacrifices to buy it.”
Gerhard Smith, 41, from Dorchester Heights said: “Everything is expensive right now, things are getting insane.
“Meat prices, milk, even fresh vegetables. We hardly ever buy lamb any more because it costs too much per kilo.
“We have cut out luxuries like chocolates. Hopefully with the fuel going down it will reflect on our grocery bill, but I don’t think so.
DispatchLIVE
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