Grocery Woes

So, I know that a lot of people have been a little down little, what with the constant bombardment of the downward-spiralling economy and the dreaded “R” word being thrown around by the Canadian media every day. Times are getting a little tough, pocket change is starting to dwindle, and the ridiculous prices they’re charging for food now just shocks me.

High grocery prices aren’t much of a surprise nowadays. People have been grumbling about the hike in food costs for the past couple of months. Yeah, I’ve noticed it too last year, as I saw my food bill go up slightly. But it wasn’t until yesterday that the reality of high food prices hit me as I stood in Metro in the produce section, staring in complete aghast at a stall of English cucumbers. $2.49. Say wha—? **Blink eyes in disbelief** Yes, $2.49 for a cucumber. A cucumber?! When did cucumbers suddenly cost $2.49? I could get a coffee for less (a rather good cup of coffee at that!). And let’s not even get me started on the issues of lemons…

What is a girl to do when she needs to eat? While the thought of going on a food strike in order to protest these insane prices seems really empowering and tempting, I highly doubt anyone would care if I just sat on the sidelines starving myself (and frankly, I doubt my will-power would last any longer than three days…). Treks to Asian supermarkets help with their lower prices, and I’ve frequented farmer’s markets more; while they may not always been cheaper than supermarkets, at least I know I’m supporting local farmers at the same time. But if this continues, honestly…will I be resorted to rationing my groceries? Obsessively counting how many slices of cucumbers I can put into my salad? That…that my friends, is a terribly sad image, and one I hope not to partake in anytime soon!
(And if you’re wondering, no, I did not dish out the $2.49 for the cucumber. Luckily the Sobey’s right by my place offered the same thing for a more reasonable price.)