Food insecurity is at a crisis point': Advocate argues policy changes are needed

A single mother of six children aged two to 18, Edith S. somehow manages to pay for food, clothing, utilities and a mortgage on a small townhouse she scrimped and saved to buy just three years ago.

Relentlessly disciplined and careful about her spending, Edith is an example to almost any shopper looking to save. She constantly compares the prices of all the basics for her kids, using couponing and grocery flyer apps, ensuring she gets the best deals every week.

“I never buy anything if it’s not on sale,” Edith says. “I’m always looking at flyers, comparing prices, price matching, and going to many different discount stores — NoFrills, Giant Tiger, Superstore to make sure I’m getting the best prices.

“I will always buy in bulk and try to stock up on sales, especially meat, like a big tray of pork chops, and then freeze as much as I can.

“But no beef. I can’t remember the last time we ate beef. We can’t — it’s just too expensive.”

Two years ago, she says groceries were “very manageable” at about $150 per week.

“Now I’m looking at close to $300 a week, sometimes $350 if it’s the week that I’m buying diapers in bulk.”

See the article here