![Rising food prices forcing many Canadians to buy unhealthy options: survey](https://dpdajlq3ew794.cloudfront.net/20160525115917/shutterstock_346420046-984x500.jpg?format=auto&width=1920)
As food prices continue to rise, many Canadians are being forced into buying unhealthy options in order to save a few bucks, according to a survey from the Angus Reid Institute.
Half of Canadians with a household income of less than $50,000 per year say they’ve had to choose unhealthy food to cut costs, while 47% of those ages 18 to 34 say the same. Two-fifths of Canadians overall are buying less healthy food to scrape by.
Beyond that, more than 70% have switched to cheaper brands to offset rising food prices, and 61% have cut back on meat.
![Angus Reid Institute](https://images.dailyhive.com/20160525120041/Food6.png)
Angus Reid Institute
Rising food prices are largely attributable to the low Canadian dollar and fruit and vegetable prices have risen especially high, with B.C. alone seeing a year-over-year increase of more than 26%, according to Statistics Canada. In fact, more than 80% of fruits, vegetables, and nuts sold in Canada have been affected by Canada’s weak dollar.
As a result, the cost of dining out is prohibitive to some Canadians whose wallets are feeling the burden of high grocery bills. More than 70% have cut back on eating out, while 67% spend less on entertainment.
![Angus Reid Institute](https://images.dailyhive.com/20160525120226/Food7.png)
Angus Reid Institute
Unsurprisingly, many Canadians feel the government is giving enough attention to the issue, especially if they’re having trouble feeding their families. Nearly 80% of Canadians in difficult-to-feed households say the issues deserves more attention from higher ups.
![Angus Reid Institute](https://images.dailyhive.com/20160525120302/Food8.png)
Angus Reid Institute