Rising food prices are significantly impacting residents in Gloucestershire, particularly among older individuals. Valerie George, 78, living in Abbeydale, reports that she can no longer afford her previous grocery choices and has reduced her meat consumption, expressing concern about relying on vegetables alone.
Current data from the Office of National Statistics indicates general inflation at 3.8%, exceeding the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Food inflation is notably higher at 5.1%, the most elevated rate observed during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In response to these economic challenges, Gloucestershire County Council has partnered with Feeding Gloucestershire, an organization focused on addressing food inequality, and is extending free school meals to cover holiday periods.
Other residents, such as Lesley Davis, 67, from Cinderford, also reflect concerns over rising prices impacting their purchasing habits. She notes that previously regular purchases, like cakes and biscuits, are now reserved for special occasions, as they prioritize bargain shopping to manage costs. A survey conducted by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) involving 2,000 participants revealed that 57% expressed worry that prices are increasing faster than wages.
Younger residents are not exempt from these pressures. Janek Davis, 39, acknowledges the cost-of-living crisis as a prevalent concern, emphasizing the necessity to plan spending. Odin Luneta, 21, highlights a shift in awareness regarding financial management.
Looking ahead, the BRC has cautioned that food inflation may remain above 5% until at least 2026 without additional tax hikes in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. The partnership between the county council and Feeding Gloucestershire aims to find effective solutions to food inequality while ensuring support for affected families.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77dzm681ygo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss