Understanding Northern Ireland’s Cost of Living: How Food Dominates Household Budgets

Food shopping is a major expense for families in Northern Ireland. According to recent research by the Consumer Council, it takes up the largest portion of households’ basic spending, reaching a record high in the past two years. This comes as inflation remains steady at 3.4%.

The study reveals that food accounts for nearly a quarter (23%) of essential spending, which includes everything from housing to health care. Jessica Ireland, a mother of three from Londonderry, shared that her weekly grocery costs have soared by around £50. Her shopping now averages between £100 and £120, up from £70 to £80 just a few years ago. “Food is definitely my biggest expense after the mortgage,” she explained, noting that cutting costs further is nearly impossible because everyone needs to eat.

Jessica often compares her grocery bills on TikTok. She pointed out a striking change in product sizes. “Items might not have increased in price, but they’re definitely smaller,” she observed, recalling a surprising size difference in a chocolate tub she bought this year compared to last year’s version.

To manage rising prices, Jessica has changed how she shops. “I buy more store brands and cook from scratch. That’s cheaper,” she noted. She also strategizes by looking for promotions and creating meal plans based on what’s on sale, making shopping more manageable.

The Consumer Council’s study indicates that low-income households in Northern Ireland spend more on food than any other necessity. Philippa McKeown-Brown, head of food policy at the Council, emphasized the troubling trend: “Most of their basic spending is on food, surpassing costs for housing and utilities.” She raises a crucial question: what are these families giving up to afford their meals?

Many young adults face similar challenges. A recent Consumer Council survey of over 730 individuals aged 18 to 30 revealed that nearly half worry their food supplies will run out before they can afford more. More than 40% reported regularly skipping meals, and a quarter have gone a day without eating. Food insecurity is a significant concern, particularly for young adults with low incomes or disabilities.

University student Aimee Stevenson is acutely aware of these issues. She helps run a food pantry at Queen’s University Belfast that supports around 100 students daily. “We bulk buy and cook together to save money,” Aimee said, but the high demand for food assistance highlights a crisis affecting many students.

All of this points to a growing problem where the essentials, like food, are taking a toll on household budgets. The need for effective solutions is urgent, as many people grapple with the basic right to food. It’s clear that families and individuals are in a tough spot, making strategic changes just to keep food on the table.

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