Fixed prices for basic foods

Marie-Eve Dumont

Wednesday, 21 march, 2018 23:23

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Wednesday, 21 march, 2018 23:23

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The government should fix the price of some basic foods in order to ensure everyone the right to a healthy diet, supports the Consolidation of collective kitchens.

“We don’t want there to be a fixed price for the soda crackers or potato chips in the ketchup. There are 35, 000 products in a supermarket. We would like the government regulates the prices of a selection of basic food to feed themselves decently, ” explains Frédéric Paré, coordinator-general of the Consolidation of collective kitchens in Quebec, which has filed a petition to the national Assembly to support its Declaration on the right to a healthy diet.

Photo courtesy

Frédéric Paré
Quebec collective kitchens

Accessible to all

Mr. Paré think of a basket containing fruit and vegetables, cheese, flour, eggs, and some pieces of meat.

“The responsibility of the State is to regulate this basic basket with which everyone can cook, which is accessible to all economically and geographically. Cook, it is open to everyone “, he insists.

Approximately 8 % of québec households are food insecure, according to the latest figures available. From 2007 to 2016, the price Index of the consumption of food has increased by 26 % compared with 14% for all goods and services. In 2013, half of the dietary energy intake of Canadians from foods ultra-processed foods.

“Citizens are losing control of their food system. Governments have a report to the food that is merchant, economic and marketing. The power supply is an essential need that is orphan of a true responsibility of the State. The MAPAQ (ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food] devotes 2 % of its budget to food inspection, and it is all that he does for the eaters. The rest is to support the industry, ” said Mr. Paré.

The Declaration contains a dozen other applications, and is supported by over a hundred organizations. In particular, it asks cities to offer healthier foods in public institutions, or governments to tax sugar-sweetened beverages and foods, ultra-processed.