Supermarkets criticised for ‘cruel mockery’ as rising grocery costs lead to disturbing trend among Aussies
- Replies 8
As shoppers stroll through the aisles of supermarkets month after month, they might notice a subtle yet persistent trend: the gradual uptick in prices across various goods.
From everyday essentials to indulgent treats, the cost of items seems to be on the rise, leaving consumers pondering the impact on their wallets.
The rising costs of everyday items have created a cascading effect on Australian households, pushing them to extraordinary lengths just to put food on the table.
The relentless surge in the cost of living resulted in worrying coping mechanisms, with some Aussies skipping meals or seeking out discarded food.
With alarm and empathy, the Grassroots Action Network Tasmania revealed this shocking reality amid a Senate inquiry into the skyrocketing prices at supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles, orchestrating a wake-up call about the societal implications of escalating supermarket prices.
Amelia Cromb, a representative from the organisation, remarked on the ironic wastefulness of supermarkets, which she found to be disheartening and paradoxical.
'It just seems like such a cruel mockery almost that people are going to supermarkets to buy food that is a human right... and at the end of the day the supermarket can just basically rip the tag off that high price, throw it in the bin as though it had no value at all,' she exclaimed.
Cromb voiced her frustration at the situation. 'It’s criminal, there’s no other way to put it. It’s just unacceptable,' she said.
According to Cromb, extensive portions of discarded food from supermarkets are perfectly safe for consumption.
She said that they had taken measures to redistribute the salvaged food, ensuring it finds its way to the hands of people who need it most.
'These items are all in date, any logical person would see this and know that it’s consumable, the best before date is in 2025,' she said.
The inquiry highlighted the importance for supermarkets to review their procedures regarding the disposal of food items.
‘On a systemic level, there is such rigid food or regulations and standards around food distribution,’ Cromb said.
‘Best before labelling is often very arbitrary, often it relates more to food quality than safety alone, and I just think these in whatever way possible need to change because that is a reason why we’re seeing so much fruit be discarded.’
The senate inquiry regarding the skyrocketing prices of supermarket goods was demanded last year and several reports have revealed more information about the alleged price gouging of supermarket giants.
As prices continue to skyrocket, and more Aussies consider dumpster diving a viable option, it's clear that we need systemic changes to our food industries.
Greater transparency in pricing, rationalisation of food wastage, and more responsible supermarket practices are essential.
Grassroots Action Network Tasmania also previously took on a more unconventional approach to call on supermarkets to do better: faux discount price tags with spicy messages.
Have you noticed the price hike at your neighbourhood grocery store? What changes would you like to see in the practices at supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
From everyday essentials to indulgent treats, the cost of items seems to be on the rise, leaving consumers pondering the impact on their wallets.
The rising costs of everyday items have created a cascading effect on Australian households, pushing them to extraordinary lengths just to put food on the table.
The relentless surge in the cost of living resulted in worrying coping mechanisms, with some Aussies skipping meals or seeking out discarded food.
With alarm and empathy, the Grassroots Action Network Tasmania revealed this shocking reality amid a Senate inquiry into the skyrocketing prices at supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles, orchestrating a wake-up call about the societal implications of escalating supermarket prices.
Some Australians were reportedly resorting to dumpster diving amidst the cost-of-living crisis. Credits: Shutterstock
Amelia Cromb, a representative from the organisation, remarked on the ironic wastefulness of supermarkets, which she found to be disheartening and paradoxical.
'It just seems like such a cruel mockery almost that people are going to supermarkets to buy food that is a human right... and at the end of the day the supermarket can just basically rip the tag off that high price, throw it in the bin as though it had no value at all,' she exclaimed.
Cromb voiced her frustration at the situation. 'It’s criminal, there’s no other way to put it. It’s just unacceptable,' she said.
According to Cromb, extensive portions of discarded food from supermarkets are perfectly safe for consumption.
She said that they had taken measures to redistribute the salvaged food, ensuring it finds its way to the hands of people who need it most.
'These items are all in date, any logical person would see this and know that it’s consumable, the best before date is in 2025,' she said.
The inquiry highlighted the importance for supermarkets to review their procedures regarding the disposal of food items.
‘On a systemic level, there is such rigid food or regulations and standards around food distribution,’ Cromb said.
‘Best before labelling is often very arbitrary, often it relates more to food quality than safety alone, and I just think these in whatever way possible need to change because that is a reason why we’re seeing so much fruit be discarded.’
The senate inquiry regarding the skyrocketing prices of supermarket goods was demanded last year and several reports have revealed more information about the alleged price gouging of supermarket giants.
As prices continue to skyrocket, and more Aussies consider dumpster diving a viable option, it's clear that we need systemic changes to our food industries.
Greater transparency in pricing, rationalisation of food wastage, and more responsible supermarket practices are essential.
Grassroots Action Network Tasmania also previously took on a more unconventional approach to call on supermarkets to do better: faux discount price tags with spicy messages.
.png){kind=icon}
