RISING FOOD COSTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 94, 21 April 1944, Page 4

RISING FOOD COSTS

MARKED INCREASE IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES HOSPITAL BOARD SUPPLIES A practical example of how food costs are steadily mounting is given in the Wanganui Hospital Board’s estimates for the current financial year. Actual statistics show that in 194041 the cost of providing food for an average of 278.4 persons—patients and staJX—at the Wanganui Hospital was £6970. By 1943-44 the cost of food for 262.1 persons was £8779, or £33.5 each. Compared with four years ago, food costs have risen by £8 10s for each person, in spite of a decrease of 18 in the number of patients and staff. Last year £8779 was spent in provisions for lhe Wanganui Hospital, but on the basis of 270 persons, at £33 each, the estimated expenditure for this year is £8940. show the highest, increase on Lae schedule. In 1939-40, £426 was spent on this item, but two years later the cost of vegetables had risen to £574. The expenditure last year was £ll5B, almost double that of the previous yeir. The cost of eggs increased from £407 in 1939-40 to £5lO in 1942-43, and £531 last year. Tea is another item which has risen hi price, the increases being £362, £231 and £412 respectively. Potatoes, shown separately in the estimates, cost £471 four years ago, £503 in 1942-43, and £549 last year. The approximate cost of provisions in 1939-40, 1942-43, and last year, in that, order, was: Milk and cream, £1094, £1249 and £1313; meat, £1069. £1728 and £1628; fish, rabbits and poultry, £427, £2BB and £383; bread, £4lO, £471 and £503; butter, £935, £1025 and £993; bacon £214, £203 and £193; fresh fruit £505, £755 and £932; sugar, £2Ol. £254 and £252; general, £920, £7ll, and £666.