The rise in the price of basic foodstuffs, which not all households can afford, is forcing them to buy less healthy products
After a year of skyrocketing prices – even more potent in recent months following the start of the war in Ukraine – Spanish households have become pessimistic and lowered their consumption expectations in the face of relentless price increases. Because filling the shopping cart will cost almost 900 euros more per year than twelve years ago.
Inflation affects the household bills of all citizens. But there is an even more complex reality: the lowest income earners have already started buying necessary products, according to the latest report from the Bank of Spain. For example, if a computer breaks down, it’s time to share. And speaking of vehicles, it will not be the car this year either. Also the average income is not saved, although in this case it affects their savings more than their consumption. Ordinary citizens estimate that they now save 50% of what they could previously save in the result of income minus expenses.
This situation means that there is no money for contingencies or for reforms or for strong spending. Many are those who now think more than twice about the purchase, no matter how necessary it is. And also those who postpone their holidays for when the situation improves and the prices make them more affordable.
In times of crisis, as happened in the first recession after the 2008 bubble, the quality of food is affected by higher prices and especially among people with lower incomes.
Any diet should include products such as fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil. And precisely these are some of the foods that have reached a higher price in recent months. For this reason, the Ministry of Consumption has this week handed over to food distributors interested in preparing food baskets at reasonable prices a guide to essential products “from a nutritional point of view of quality, healthy and sustainable”: free-range eggs, poultry, rabbit, vegetables and no lace. ready meals.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
