By Dylan Bettencourt
- The average household food basket dropped by about 1.5% in December, but still costs more than R5,300 a month.
- Families remain more than R1,000 short of what is needed to afford proper nutrition, despite slower food inflation.
Food prices eased slightly in December, offering a small boost after a tough year. But for many households, the numbers still do not add up.
New affordability data from the Braai Index shows the average cost of basic food for a household fell by about 1.5% in December. Even after this drop, the monthly food bill remains above R5,300, far higher than what many working families can afford.
Some vegetable prices came down during the month, but meat and other protein-rich foods remain expensive. These are often the first items families cut back on when money runs short.
Low-income households typically buy basic staples first to avoid hunger. When there is not enough money left, families reduce protein, fruit and vegetables, stretching meals to last the month.
The data shows that households are still underspending on proper nutrition by more than R1,000 a month. This means that even when food prices stabilise or dip slightly, many families continue to eat less and skip nutritious foods.
While food inflation has slowed, the cost of survival remains out of reach for millions of South Africans. For struggling households, cheaper prices on paper do not yet mean real relief at the table.
Pictured above: Meat.
Image source: Pexels
