Back-to-school lunches need ‘flexibility’ amid uneven food prices: report

As Canadian families prepare to return to school, a new report from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab suggests that back-to-school lunches may require flexibility due to uneven food prices. While August food prices were better than the month before, the lab notes that prices will still be inconsistent. The lab’s “school-lunch basket,” which includes 12 popular staples, experienced a 2.8% price decrease.

However, not all prices are lowering, and some, like orange juice, have increased from $7 to $7.44. Lab senior director Sylvain Charlebois emphasized the importance of checking the grocery store for available options, as vegetables can help save money now, but that may not hold true later in the year. Meat prices are expected to continue rising.

Prices can vary by location, with the same 12-item school basket ranging from $52.05 in Quebec City to $56.48 in St. John’s. A recent survey of nearly 1,400 parents showed that 91% of them believe back-to-school shopping has become more expensive, with 53% calling it "a lot more" pricey. Despite the price hikes, 93% of Canadian children will bring packed lunches or snacks to school this year.

To stay within a budget, parents can focus on staple foods that did not increase in price, such as Greek yogurt, whole-wheat bread, bananas, and carrots, and rotate fruits based on their weekly prices. The lab recommends a simple lunch formula of one grain, one protein, one fruit or vegetable, and water, while also adapting portions and ingredients to each child’s needs and school policies.