The Price of Eating Well in the Cochrane District

The information in this newsletter outlines the price of eating in the Cochrane District. Costs are based on the average of a June survey of 66 food items from 7 grocery stores in the Cochrane District (English) (French). These items make up the Nutritious Food Basket which represents a balanced diet based on commonly purchased foods. It does not include food items that many of us enjoy like tea and coffee, package snack foods and soft drinks. The basket includes only food and not other purchases commonly made at the grocery stores such as toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent and toilet paper. The protocol and the Nutritious Food Basket were developed by the Ministry of Health (1998).

Use this information in the following ways: 

• To figure out what it might cost you to eat well;
• To estimate the cost of feeding a group of people (in group homes, shelters and so on);
• To document the difficulty of affording a nutritious diet for those with limited incomes;
• To make up case studies for discussion in budgeting or home management education programs. 

Some Questions About the Basket

Is the basket the most economical?  

No.  There may be foods on special in grocery or other food stores.  Using coupons may reduce prices even more.  A basket of lower priced food items is possible but it would not be foods that the average consumer would purchase.  For example, a vegetarian basket or one with less variety would be cheaper. 

Should I be buying the same 64 foods?

Not necessarily. The 66 foods may not reflect your own food choices or anyone else’s in your family. The basket reflects healthy eating recommendations using foods that people usually buy.

Is the Average Nutritious Food Basket really nutritious?

Yes.  The food basket is calculated to meet nutrient needs of most people in each age group. 

Should we adjust the total costs in Step 4?

It’s up to you. If you feel it costs less per person to feed a larger group of people and more to feed a smaller group, make the adjustment.

Foods in the Average Nutritious Food Basket
milk process cheese eggs ground beef wieners salmon dried navy beans white bread white flour rice shreddies oranges tomatoes apples pears cabbage cucumber onions rutabagas margarine miracle whip	yogurt mozzarella cheese round steak pork chops cooked ham tuna peanut butter hamburger buns spaghetti regular oatmeal crackers social tea apple juice canned tomatoes bananas raisins frozen fries carrots iceberg lettuce green pepper canned corn butter sugar	cheddar cheese ice cream stewing beef chicken fish fillets canned beans whole wheat bread whole wheat flour macaroni & cheese corn flakes cookies orange juice tomato juice grapes fruit cocktail broccoli celery romaine lettuce frozen mixed veg. canned peas canola oil strawberry jam
For more information, contact your Public Health Dietitian/Nutritionist at the Porcupine Health Unit.