Back-to-School Lunch Basket Costs Fall 2.8% in Canada
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A 12-item basket of common school-lunch foods in Canada cost about 2.8 per cent less in August than a month earlier, according to a report released Tuesday, August 25, by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab. Researchers say lower prices on several staples and aggressive back-to-school promotions helped drive the decline.
Bagels, cheddar cheese, tuna, peanut butter and bottled water were among the products that became less expensive, helping offset increases elsewhere. Orange juice moved in the opposite direction, with its average price rising from about $7 to $7.44.
Where families live also matters. The same 12-item basket cost about $52.05 in Quebec City and $56.48 in St. John's. Researchers say competition among grocery retailers is providing some relief during the back-to-school season, but prices could shift again later in the fall as promotions ease and seasonal pressures increase.
For families trying to control school-lunch costs, the report recommends adjusting fruit and protein choices according to weekly prices, comparing unit prices and taking advantage of meaningful promotions on products that store well. Greek yogurt, whole-wheat bread, bananas and carrots were among the staples whose prices remained relatively stable.
The modest decline comes against a broader backdrop of continued food-price pressure. Canada's Food Price Report 2026 forecasts overall food prices will rise between four and six per cent this year, with a family of four potentially spending up to $994.63 more than in 2025.
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Tahani Elghazaly5375 Posts
