Household food basket rises in July as civil society warns of deepening food insecurity

The index found that the basket rose by R28.11 month-on-month and R87.81 compared with the same month last year, highlighting the continued pressure on low-income households despite relatively subdued headline inflation.

The cost of feeding a household increased again in July, with civil society organisations warning that rising food prices, stagnant social grants and high unemployment are worsening food insecurity across South Africa.

The latest Household Affordability Index released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday showed that the average Household Food Basket increased to R5,530.52 in July.

The index found that the basket rose by R28.11 month-on-month and R87.81 compared with the same month last year, highlighting the continued pressure on low-income households despite relatively subdued headline inflation.

Mervyn Abrahams, director of the PMBEJD, said a number of essential food items recorded notable price increases during the month.