Take a look at 10 essential food items that are increasing. Image via Pexels
The average basket of food for a family in South Africa will set you back more than R4 300, this is an 8.9% increase from February 2021.
Take a look at 10 essential food items that are increasing. Image via Pexels
Petrol, electricity and now food…What next? According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity group (PMBEJD), as of February 2022, a food basket for the average South African household will cost you R4 355. This is up 8.9% from February 2021. In addition, over 20 essential items have increased in price.
Here’s everything you need to know.
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According to the PMBEJD, the Household Food Basket Affordability Index is designed by women living on low incomes in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Springbok, Northern Cape and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
The index includes foods that the women would buy for a family of seven every month. The prices are noted down by the women themselves across 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries that target the low-income market.
In a report released on Monday 28 February, the PMBEJD calculated the price of an average shopping basket in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Springbok and Pietermaritzburg.
Take a look at how they all match up:
Food Item | Cost in February 2021 | Cost in February 2022 |
10kg White sugar | R159.74 | R165.26 |
5L Cooking oil | R108.53 | R146.29 |
10kg Frozen chicken portions | R318.58 | R361.66 |
2kg Chicken Livers | R50.31 | R64.75 |
2kg Beef | R150.83 | R173.03 |
6kg Tomatoes | R85.61 | R113.76 |
25 Loaves of brown bread | R304.13 | R313.41 |
1kg Margarine | R34.28 | R40.22 |
4kg Packet of bananas | R52.36 | R63.29 |
Wors | R111.36 | R125.69 |
Take a look at the Household Affordability Index for February 2022 here