Food prices are expected to rise by as much as fifty per cent over the next five years. Ag-flation, which, is defined as the sudden and irreversible upward momentum in food price, is the culprit.

Ag-flation is caused by a number of factors. Among them are: drought, climate change, increase in biofuels production and the change in diet in countries such as India and China.

The economies in both India and China are on the rise as people earn more their food choices move up the food chain, in other words many move from a vegetarian diet to a meat-based one.

Perhaps, one answer is to switch to a vegetarian style diet, or at least to reduce meat consumption, but that is the subject for another hub.

I went shopping today to pick up a few items. I shop every 2 or 3 days because I enjoy doing so and usually buy fresh fruit and vegetables which will only keep fresh for so long. I frequently shop at a locally owned store that carries a small range of items but always has whatever is in season.

Right now they have green peppers, purple grapes, which are delicious, as well as tomatoes, both red and green. Corn on the cob is looking tasty too and we are having that boiled with fresh organic butter later.

This is also the season to buy in bulk and preserve what you do not use. I have little personal experience preserving food but this year I plan to pickle some beets and make chutney.

I’ll keep you posted in future hubs about my progress in these areas and share any tips that I encounter. I won’t be making that much because we have limited storage but have to take advantage of the presence of reasonable priced and local produce that is currently on the market.

Shopping local not only provides you with the freshest produce but it also is an investment in you community. You spend money in a shop that is locally owned and it is most likely that the shop owner does the same. This way the money that you spend stays in your community longer and helps build a strong local economy.

We can combat rising prices by learning more about our local food supply system and buying either directly from the growers or from a store who buys from them. This way all the people in the food chain benefit from keeping food affordable, the customers get good food at a good price and the growers and sellers get customers.

The other way is to learn how to preserve food so that you can take advantage of sales or strike deals with sellers. If you know how to make dollar saving but delicious and healthy meals such as soups and stews you can avoid increased food costs and keep your family well fed.

Stews and soups are an ideal way to use vegteables that you would otherewise toss away or compost. You can use bits that you do not normally eat to make a great soup.

When you are cutting vegetables for your meal, have a container handy for the bits you would not add to the meal. Make sure the container has a good tight lid and then you can keep it in the fridge or even freeze it until you are ready to make a soup.

In future hubs, we will explore this topic in greater detail and offer recipes, shopping and cooking tips and suggestions as to how you can save money eat well and invest in your community.

As always your ideas are welcome. Eat well, be well.