The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has determined that today — February 9, 2021 — is the day a Canadian household of average income will have earned enough to pay their entire year’s grocery bill. The annual event is known as “Food Freedom Day.”
Each year, CFA examines the proportion of income that Canadians spend on food as a way to explore year-over-year expenditure changes, while raising consumers’ understanding of Canada’s food system.
As food prices continue their trend of volatility, the date is rarely the same from year to year.
Last year, Food Freedom Day was one day later — February 10, 2020 — in a year where Canadians spent 10.9 per cent of disposable income on food. According to the CFA, Canadians spent 11 per cent of their disposable income on food in 2020. There was also a marked increase in per capita food and beverage expenditures to an estimated $4,091 per year.
Find a breakdown of the calculation, here.
Celebrate with fellow Canadians by following the hashtag #FoodFreedomDay on Twitter!
Did you know that as of today, the average Canadian has earned enough income to pay for their entire year’s grocery bill? Yes today is Food Freedom Day in Canada!
Ontario farmers thank you for your continued support! #FoodFreedomDay https://t.co/FyhEXlxZ2s— Keith Currie (@curb1961) February 9, 2021
#FoodFreedomDay
An amazing mark in time – the day when an average ??household has earned enough income to pay their entire year’s grocery bill – 40 days into the year. We are fortunate to live in a country where food is high quality & affordable. #Thankful https://t.co/anhWCLIL3Z— Mary Robinson (@Agproudmary) February 9, 2021
I wonder how many Canadians ?? *actually* know about #FoodFreedomDay today….
…. which marks the day when the average Canadian household has earned enough income to pay their entire year’s grocery bill…. for the entire year.
Perspective, especially during these times. pic.twitter.com/yjGnoAfJpP
— Christina Crowley-Arklie (@CrowleyArklie) February 9, 2021
Happy #FoodFreedomDay! Each year the @CFAFCA calculates which day the average Canadian will have earned enough income to pay for their grocery bill for the entire year. This day helps showcase the value that farmers deliver to all Canadians. Learn more, https://t.co/w3GaTvY7iS pic.twitter.com/PqpVUsOVvr
— Ontario Federation of Agriculture (@OntarioFarms) February 9, 2021