Waterloo shoppers share what they're giving up to make ends meet

Walk into any grocery store these days and you may get a little bit of sticker shock.

Inflation rates have been high for months now and the latest Canada Food Report for 2023 predicts we'll continue to see increases between five to seven per cent on items like fresh produce, meat and dairy.

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo wanted to know how people in the region were faring with the rising costs of everything. 

Some people out shopping at the Shops at Waterloo Town Square said they have started making the switch from expensive brands, for things like coffee, to cheaper versions.

Others said they don't necessarily cut out things but they are certainly buying less.

Ian Harvey says he hasn't had to give up anything at the stores yet, but he still watches his purchases carefully.

"Meat though is one of the things we've reduced on our expenses while buying groceries, because the cost of meat is so high," he said.

Aislinn Malley says she's been forced to cut down on "things like butter, cream, milk as well as fresh fruits and vegetables ... I buy less of them now, unfortunately."

Other people said they are choosing to ditch treats like chips, chocolate and candy, in favour of more essential food items. That's interesting considering Nestlé Canada says it is winding down its frozen meals and pizza business in Canada over the next six months to focus on food categories such as confectionery, coffee, ice cream, premium water and pet food.

Finding deals

Charlene Bowman works at the Valu-Mart located in the Shops of Waterloo. She says that while times may be hard, there are still bargains available, "you just have to look for them."

Amanda Dresser teaches workshops on couponing and saving money while shopping. She recently spoke with CBC's Jenifer Norwell and says saving money at the stores starts at home.

She suggests people should figure out a spending baseline and track what they've spent over the past three months and go from there. 

"Start to look for coupons. Keep notice when certain items go on sale. Every six to eight weeks they're going to hit their lowest price. And then when your items, especially when you have coupons, hit the lowest price...stock up to the best of your ability," Dresser said.

But not everyone has the ability to "bulk up," points out CBC K-W listener Jean Narveson.

Not everybody needs — or can afford — two of one item, three of another, so "the so-called 'bargain' price is a joke unless you load up on multiples," Narverson said.

Feeling the pinch outside of the grocery aisles

University of Waterloo student Isabelle Zak says she's opted out of buying new clothes in an effort to save money.

"I prioritize buying what I need instead of buying things that I want," Zak said.

She adds that as a "broke" student, everything is expensive.

Other people said they've turned to thrifting to help make ends meet, using online tools like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji for second-hand items.

Sam Passley would like to buy new things for her house but says that the price of bedding, furnishings, and furniture in general, has gone up so much that she can't afford to.

"It's either groceries or stuff for my house," Passley said.

She added that she was also hoping to buy a car but that's not likely to happen any time soon.

"The cost of cars is insane. The price of a used car is close to the price of a brand new car," Passley said.

Read more of CBC's coverage on how people are saving money: