Why Food Costs Are Climbing Even When Inflation Looks Low
The Situation in April
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) tracked the price of a typical food basket for a family of seven. In April the basket cost R5,452.09, which is R123.56 (2.3%) higher than in March. Compared to the national minimum wage of R5,890.32 (based on a 45‑hour week), the basket now exceeds earnings by 12.4%.
Year‑on‑year the basket rose only R31.79 (0.6%), showing a modest increase over the past twelve months.
What the Official Numbers Say
Statistics South Africa reports that overall food inflation is easing:
- Annual food and non‑alcoholic beverage inflation fell to 3.6% in March (down from 3.7% in February and 4.4% in January).
- Several categories are actually in deflation:
- Fruits and nuts
- Vegetables
- Grain products
- Milk, dairy and eggs
- Meat prices have also dropped for two consecutive months, with beef cuts such as steak and mince becoming cheaper.
Why the Basket Still Got Pricier
Despite the broader trend, certain essentials saw sharp month‑on‑month jumps:
Vegetables
- Onions: up R22.43
- Tomatoes: up R13.07
Protein Sources
- Frozen chicken portions: up R10.12
- Beef: up R6.12
- Fish: up R9.73
Staples
Some basics like cornmeal edged down, but others such as rice and cooking oil rose, keeping overall pressure on the basket. The core staple subgroup (items bought first regardless of price) increased by R56.41 (2%) to R2,873.16.
The Gap Between What’s Needed and What’s Affordable
PMBEJD also calculated a “nutritional essentials” basket for a family of seven, which came to R6,618.99 in April. That is R1,166.90 more than the actual food basket, indicating families are spending at least 18% less on adequate nutrition.
Impact on Children
The average monthly cost to feed a child rose to R964.94, while the child maintenance allowance sits at only R580. This means the subsidy covers just 32% of the food poverty line and 40% of a nutritious basic diet for a child.
What Families Do
When money is tight, many households—especially women—cut back on groceries or choose cheaper, less nutrient‑dense foods to stretch their budgets.
What Should Be Watched?
PMBEJD warns that producers and retailers might take advantage of the situation with “opportunistic price increases.” Monitoring key items like onions, tomatoes, chicken, beef, and fish is essential to ensure that any rises are justified and not simply profit‑driven.
Conclusion
Even though national data shows food inflation slowing, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Sharp price hikes in vegetables and proteins are pushing the cost of a basic food basket above what many workers earn, leaving families—especially children—undernourished. Keeping an eye on specific food categories and addressing potential unfair pricing practices will be crucial to protect household nutrition in the coming months.
