Perrin Photography

With prices now increasing throughout Calgary’s food markets, citizens are now making decisions to improve their spending budget as winter draws closer.

Projections made on October 2^nd predicted that a steady increase in food costs would be coming to the country, based off of Canada’s 2020 Food Price Report.

Now, with winter around the corner and prices beginning to show some change, citizens are now getting ready to stock up for the cold season.

“We have been getting ourselves ready,” said Doug Justice, a Shawnessy resident explaining his family’s preparation for November grocery trips.

“We have been noticing some changes in the prices for select items, so we have been doing what we can about that.”

Justice, a member of a family of five, has been overlooking a budget along with his wife to ensure limited spending throughout the month.

“We know that items like meats and produce have gone up ridiculously,” said Paula Justice, Doug’s wife, in regards to certain items.

“We have been making a spending limit so we don’t go over too much. We have a family of five, so clearly we have some demand at home.” – Doug Justice

The Justice family has begun to limit their spending to certain amounts, making cash budgets to ensure only a limited amount is spent.

“We have a budget of $1,000 a month,” Doug Justice explained their ideal plan.

“So, we try to limit grocery runs for two weeks, and prioritize what we need when shopping at the stores.”

The Justice family has been making steady progress to ensure they keep a strong and steady budget, looking into sales and low-price items.

There are more families who have similar positions in terms of budget, and try to keep a limit as best as possible.

“There have been some changes in the stores without a doubt,” said Dave Patterson, a Calgary citizen while discussing the market changes.

“We have noticed that since prices have begun to change.”

Patterson, who is also a father of five, has also tried setting a specific limit on his family’s spending budget with his wife as well.

“There are things that we have been trying to maintain,” said Catarina “Cathy” Patterson, Dave’s wife, while discussing her family’s budget.

“There are people who really struggle with trying to budget, and so we try and stick with yellow boxes when we can’t get the brand.”

Patterson has made regular trips to the markets to provide for her family, trying to maintain a balance to different desires.

“We spend about $500 a week, so $2000 a month.” Patterson explained her budget.

“Half of my family is vegan while the other half is meat eaters, so that throws a wrench in it. I shop all the time with this.”

Patterson has been keeping up with her family and their needs, but also has a back-up plan if it comes down to it.

“We’re pretty good with putting the foot down if the kids want something too much,” Dave Patterson explained their method.

“We try to keep it balanced, so we use what we have, and then when it comes to needing something, then we get it.”