With food prices rising at their fastest rate since 1989, the cost of putting a meal on the table is now high among New Zealanders’ top worries and local families are also feeling the pinch.

A recent Consumer NZ report shows that food prices are now Kiwis’ second highest financial concern, after mortgage payments, while two years ago the cost of food came in at eighth on the list.

Community Networks/LINK social worker Heather Clay told the Wānaka App the cost of food is also among some locals’ biggest financial worries.

“The price of food and other household costs, such as medical or school-based costs, are the two main issues people are coming to talk to me about at the moment,” she said.

“The overall economic picture is certainly harder than it has been.”

Food prices have increased 12 percent in the last year and many other costs are also on the rise due to inflation.

One local family of four say their shopping behaviour has changed as a result.

“We are definitely spending a lot more on food. Everything seems to be about ten dollars,” the mother said. “It’s ridiculous.” 

Eating healthily on a budget is also becoming increasingly difficult, she said.

“I always look at the price and go for the cheaper option. You want to eat healthily and sustainably but that’s expensive.”

“I definitely second guess myself when I’m shopping now. I look at some things and go ‘hmm, I think we can do without that for another week’.”

She said the family seldom buys takeaways now, as “it’s too expensive”.

Another local said turning to the Wānaka Foodbank has helped her get through some difficult times.

“I found myself a full-time single mother unexpectedly and had to juggle multiple jobs as well as drop off and pick my daughter up from kindy,” she said. 

“It got to the point that I became so sick from burnout that I had to ask for help. The foodbank was amazing and I was able to get ahead enough to balance out my responsibilities.”

The Upper Clutha also has services like the foodbank and initiatives like Food For Love to help people struggling to make ends meet.

However, Consumer NZ says it’s on the supermarkets - which together are making around $1M a day in excess profits - to get things right, particularly in the light of recent dodgy pricing.

“New Zealanders have been sending us examples of shelf pricing failing to match the price charged at the till, 'special’ prices matching regular prices and multibuy offers which work out to be more expensive than purchasing items individually,” Consumer NZ head of research and advocacy Gemma Rasmussen said.

“Given cost-of-living pressures that many households are experiencing, many people are doing their best to reduce costs – buying products they perceive to be special. This leaves shoppers vulnerable if the sales are not genuine.”

The organisation has sent open letters to NZ supermarkets’ chief executives asking for action.

In the meantime, it could be an expensive winter ahead for many. 

“With colder months ahead, many households are bracing for higher energy costs as well as pricier food bills,” Gemma said. 

“Nearly half of households are planning to set aside more money for groceries as costs increase, compared to June 2021, when one in four households set aside additional funds.”

PHOTO: Supplied