Headline inflation figures have eased compared to the peaks of the cost-of-living crisis yet food costs remain higher than they were just a few years ago.

Since 2022, the cost of a basic, balanced weekly food shop has increased by over 27%, according to The Food Foundation. It simply means prices are rising more slowly than before. This reinforces what many are already experiencing day to day as food costs remain higher than pre-cost-of-living levels, and budgets need to be managed accordingly.

A number of factors continue to influence food pricing. Domestic policy changes, including increases to the National Minimum Wage and employer National Insurance contributions, have driven higher labour costs. As well as international issues such as adverse weather, geopolitical tensions and ongoing distribution disruption continue to affect supply chains and pricing.

Climate change is also having a growing and direct impact. Extreme weather events are increasingly affecting food availability, crop yields and logistics. Climate resilience is no longer a long-term consideration, it is a challenge that must be built into supplier selection, risk planning and sustainability strategies. Take a look at a previous news post to learn more about the impact of climate change on food security.

https://www.greetwell.co.uk/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-food-security/

For care homes, these pressures show up most clearly in everyday staples, fresh produce, proteins, dairy and cupboard essentials. Even small price increases across frequently used ingredients can quickly compound across weekly menus. This makes menu planning, portion control and procurement strategy more important than ever. Homes that regularly review suppliers, benchmark pricing and plan menus around seasonality are better placed to manage volatility without compromising resident dignity or nutritional outcomes.

With everything in mind, the importance of effective procurement has never been clearer. Forward planning and budgeting for the year ahead are essential when navigating ongoing price increases, alongside challenging costs and maintaining clarity throughout the supply chain. At Greetwell, we work closely with national and local suppliers to benchmark costs, provide transparency and support smarter purchasing decisions.