Report shows Ottawa families paying more for groceries on a monthly basis

It costs a family of four in Ottawa just over $1,000 for their grocery bill according to the 2022 Nutritious Food Basket report. 

The report, released on Oct. 26, indicates how much families households and individuals are spending on their groceries each year as well as the approximate cost of basic healthy eating.

This year's survey was conducted between May 17 and June 6. 

The results of the survey show that, on average, it costs about $1,088 per month to feed a family of four in Ottawa. 

The report also shows that a family of four relying on Ontario Works is projected to spend roughly the same amount of money on a nutritious diet but left with significantly less amount for rent or utilities. 

The survey is based on the average lowest cost of 61 food items priced from 14 stores (12 urban and two rural) across the city.

The food item categories include fruits, vegetables, protein food and whole grain foods and does not include how much money people are spending on items such as diapers, or hygiene products. 

The rising cost of living is also causing more people in the city to rely on the Ottawa Food Bank, and Rachael Wilson, the chief executive officer, is predicting the organization will spend about $6-million this year alone. 

“Since March of this year, we've seen a 12 per cent increase and we're expecting another 15 per cent increase before December so the numbers continue to climb every single month and we're not seeing any relief in sight,” Wilson told Wake Up With Rob Snow on Oct. 28. 

Of those who come to the Ottawa Food Bank, Wilson said 30 per cent are families with children, who say that the reason for their visit all comes down to a lack of income.