ICYMI: Loblaws’ controversial "price freeze", new Ocean Wise initiative, and more

Here are five food stories you might have missed this week

Another Canadian news week is nearing its end, so if you’ve fallen behind on the latest stories from the world of food, we’ve come to catch you up!

From an interesting new initiative from Ocean Wise to help combat plastic waste to Loblaws freezing prices on its No Name products, to a beloved Saskatoon non-profit calling on the community for help, here are five food stories you might have missed this week.

Controversy surrounding Loblaws’ price freeze

With a federal investigation into grocery price gouging currently underway, Loblaws recently announced that it will freeze prices on all its No Name products for the next three months. While the news obviously comes as a relief to Canadian consumers, some believe the decision is nothing more than a PR strategy. 

Check out this CBC News article for the full story.

Ocean Wise launches new plastic-reduction initiative

Ocean conservation group Ocean Wise is currently in the midst of a newly-launched initiative that aims to reduce unnecessary plastics in the food and beverage industry. The Plastic Reduction Program offers Canadian businesses a new way to measure their plastic footprint, set reduction targets, and more. 

Find the full breakdown at CTV News.

Saskatoon non-profit issues call for help from community

Saskatoon-based non-profit organization CHEP Good Food has been fighting local food insecurity for more than 30 years, but just this week the organization announced that it is currently facing a financial crisis and issued a call for help.

The announcement stated that the organization is in need of volunteers, donations, and community market support, which they say will help to keep the doors open throughout the winter. 

Head to CBC News to read the article. 

Problems persist for Ontario’s migrant farmworkers

A few weeks ago we covered a story about Jamaican seasonal farmworkers and the disturbingly poor conditions and mistreatment they continue to face. This week, a new video from the Niagara-on-the-Lake farms surfaced in which the workers describe myriad issues and again ask for the government to provide them with permanent resident status. 

Visit The Standard for the full story.

Food prices climb to 41-year high

Although Canada’s annual rate of inflation continues to drop, the price of food at grocery stores continues to rise. This week, reports indicate that food inflation has now risen to the highest level it’s been in roughly 41 years.

The article goes on to say that grocery prices have risen by 11.4 per cent, while hourly wages rose by only 5.2 per cent, which has led most experts to warn that the situation will get worse before it gets better. 

Visit the Toronto Star for a comprehensive breakdown.