Queensland grocery bills soar to $180/week amid cost of living pressures

The average Queensland weekly grocery bill is closing in on $180 a week, with some household staples climbing by more than 20 per cent in less than a year.

Queensland grocery costs have soared to almost $180 a week with people eating less meat and more frozen foods to save money at the checkout, according to a new spending analysis.

The Compare the Market’s Bill Shock Survey of more than 1000 Aussies, found households are trying to slim their dockets with a variety of other saving methods, including 18 per cent eating less meat, 19 per cent using what’s in the cupboard, 14 per cent only buying in-season fruits and veggies and 9 per cent skipping meals.

The research also found the average Queensland weekly grocery bill had grown to $177.73 in June – up more than 13 per cent from last September’s weekly average of $156.95.

Valentino Ronsisvalle said his family’s grocery bill has substantially increased in the past couple of months as 90 per cent of their diet consists of fruit and vegetables.

Ms Ronsisvalle, who has been a chef for 14 years, said he regularly monitored the price of groceries but also tried to shop seasonally and at a variety of places in order to cut costs.

“The current prices are not sustainable but I’m not willing to compromise on quality – I work in hospitality as a chef so I regularly monitor prices,” he said.

Valentino Ronsisvalle with Diego, 2, and Eduardo, 6, after a trip to the shops to get groceries. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Everyday items including cereal, nappies and toilet cleaner have increased by as much as 20 per cent since October 2021 with an 805g gram packet of Nutri-Grain now costing shoppers 11 per cent more, despite smaller packaging – 765g.

Foodbank Queensland CEO Sara Harrup said increases in cost of living can put immense pressure on people.

“Sadly, many Queenslanders are living week to week and are much less likely to have safeguards against changes in the external environment, including cost of living increases,” Ms Harrup said.

“For many, they are only one setback away from hunger.

“It only takes an emergency bill for necessities such as health care, home repayments or car that can result in a person going hungry.”

But Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said it was important to remember that major supermarkets run weekly specials on hundreds of items.

“While a few dollars here and there doesn’t seem like much, it really does add up when we factor in things like rising fuel costs, soaring energy prices and increases in daily expenses,” he said.

“Spending a bit of time researching what’s on offer before your shop or opting for home brand items and frozen foods can be an effective way of slashing bills.”

Ms Harrup encouraged those experiencing food insecurity to visit their local charity at: www.askizzy.org.au

Otherwise, those in a position to donate are being reminded Foodbank can create two meals for a person in crisis with just a $1 donation.