In Northern Ireland, many households are feeling the strain of rising food costs, which have become the second largest expense for families after mortgage payments. Recent research conducted by the Consumer Council highlights that food shopping now accounts for approximately 23% of basic household spending, a figure that has reached its highest level since the Council began tracking these metrics two years ago. This statistic reflects the growing impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis as families navigate the challenges posed by soaring inflation rates.
This data is compiled quarterly and draws from insights provided by Grant Thornton, emphasizing how various regions of the UK have been affected by economic downturns. Many families express concern about how food expenses are influencing their overall financial situations. For instance, Jessica Ireland, a mother of three from Londonderry, reported an increase in her weekly food expenses by almost £50, bringing her total to between £100 to £120 per week. Prior to this surge, she typically spent around £70 to £80 weekly for her entire family, which includes her husband and children aged five, three, and a baby.
Jessica conveyed to BBC News NI, “Food is my biggest expense after my mortgage.” This sentiment resonates with many in the community, particularly as essential costs like food continue to rise, with households only able to reduce these expenses to a certain extent. Basic necessities such as snacks, baby items, and personal care products like shampoo remain critical and unavoidable components of family budgets.
Jessica’s experience is not unique. She actively shares her grocery shopping experiences on social media, particularly on TikTok, where she compares prices and educates her followers about the changing market dynamics. “Food prices have increased significantly. If something hasn’t risen in price, its portion size often shrinks,” she mentioned. A noteworthy example includes her observation about the size discrepancy of chocolate tubs, noting how a recent purchase was disappointingly smaller than a comparable item bought the previous year, despite similar price tags.
The findings reveal a broader concern about food affordability, emphasizing that many low-income households in Northern Ireland spend a greater portion of their income on food than any other essential utility or expense, including housing and energy bills. Philippa McKeown-Brown, the head of food policy at the Consumer Council, indicated that this imbalance necessitates serious consideration: “When such a significant portion of one’s income is devoted to food, one has to ponder what other essentials are being sacrificed,” she cautioned.
The challenges of food affordability are particularly pronounced among young adults, as highlighted in a recent survey of over 730 individuals aged 18 to 30 conducted by the Consumer Council. Findings revealed that nearly half of young adults fear their food supply may deplete before they have additional funds, with a notable percentage admitting to skipping meals regularly and some reporting going an entire day without food. Those particularly vulnerable to food insecurity include low-income earners, people with disabilities, and those residing in rented accommodations.
Aimee Stevenson, a 20-year-old student at Queen’s University Belfast, noted that the issue of food poverty is pressing among her peers. Many students rely on bulk buying and freezable meals to minimize costs, and there has been a significant increase in demand for university-led food support services, with some reporting up to 100 students seeking assistance daily.
As families and individuals seek ways to cope with rising costs, strategic approaches like meal planning, discount shopping, and focusing on purchases during sales are becoming more common. Jessica emphasized the importance of preparing shopping lists based on sales and planning meals around promotional offers to help mitigate financial strain.
Ultimately, the evolving landscape of food expenses in Northern Ireland illustrates the profound effects economic pressures have on daily life. As households adjust to tighter budgets, the struggle for essential food items raises critical questions about food security and the socio-economic health of communities.