The cost of eating according to the ‘Nutritious Food Basket’ in Manitoba

Here are some of the highlights from the report:

The cost of healthy eating for a family of 4 in Manitoba in May 2011 ranged from $832.66 to $1184.91/month.
The cost of healthy eating for a family of 4 in Winnipeg in May 2011 ranged from $778.9O to $860.8O/month.
Competitively priced food is available to those in most areas of Manitoba (exceptions exist in very remote /northern) as long as people have transportation to purchase it in bigger stores. The cost of transportation needs to be factored into the cost of food procurement. Availability of nutritious foods goes down as the size of the store decreases i.e. smaller stores have fewer options.
Other important factors related to food security that need to be considered and supported are:
- Access to full service grocery stores
- Budgeting skills
- Literacy and numeracy
- Access to storage and cooking equipment
- Cooking skills
- Self-efficacy