Food prices remain one of the biggest concerns for South African households. While the cost of some grocery items has fallen slightly in recent months, the overall basket of food is still more expensive than last year.
For families living on low incomes, these minor drops bring little relief. Hunger and poor nutrition continue to affect millions, showing that affordability remains a far bigger challenge than supply.
Food Prices Ease, But Strain Remains
The average cost of the household food basket has dipped compared to the previous month. However, when measured against 2024, the increase is clear. Families are still paying more for essentials than they did a year ago.
For households that spend a large part of their income on food, even a slight easing makes little difference. Food continues to eat into already tight budgets, leaving little money for transport, housing, and healthcare.
Why Lower Food Prices Don’t Solve Hunger
Inflation Built Over Years
Food inflation has compounded for several years. One month of lower costs cannot undo the high prices that built up over time. According to the World Bank, more than half of low-income countries still face food inflation above 5%.
Income Gaps and Inequality
South Africa’s high unemployment and stagnant wages make it impossible for many families to benefit from small price adjustments. Limited income is the true barrier to food access.
Nutrition Remains Expensive
Staple foods such as bread and maize meal may become cheaper, but fruits, vegetables, and proteins remain costly. Families often buy enough calories but lack nutritious meals. This leads to hidden hunger, where diets are filling but not healthy.
Food Security Beyond Prices
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 (SOFI Report) notes that hunger has eased slightly on a global scale. Yet Africa, and especially Southern Africa, continues to record some of the worst food insecurity levels.
The USDA International Food Security Assessment estimates that more than 824 million people in low- and middle-income countries remain food insecure. Southern Africa stands out as one of the most affected regions.
These findings highlight that even when global food prices drop, local affordability challenges remain.
The South African Picture
Household Budgets Under Pressure
Research by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD) shows that food costs continue to outpace wage growth. In many households, groceries consume close to half of total income. This leaves little for other basic needs, creating a constant cycle of financial stress.
Inequality and Poverty
South Africa’s deep inequality worsens the problem. Low-income households in rural and township areas face higher food insecurity compared to wealthier urban families.
Impact on Children
Many children suffer from malnutrition because families cannot afford balanced meals. While staples may fill stomachs, the lack of proteins, fruits, and vegetables affects growth and development.
Expert Insights
Food insecurity in South Africa is not about the availability of food but about affordability. The country produces enough to feed its people, yet millions remain hungry.
Social grants play a crucial role, but their value has not kept up with rising food prices. Increasing the Child Support Grant and other forms of assistance would help families cope better.
High transport and electricity costs also add to the problem. Even if global grain prices drop, these domestic expenses keep food prices high at the retail level.
Steps Toward Solutions
Strengthen Social Protection
- Adjust social grants to track food inflation.
- Introduce food vouchers for the most vulnerable families.
Support Local Food Systems
- Invest in small-scale farmers to reduce reliance on expensive imports.
- Expand community food gardens to provide access to fresh produce.
Address Wage Inequality
- Ensure wages rise in line with living costs.
- Strengthen protections for low-income workers.
Moving Forward
Food prices have dropped slightly, but hunger continues to affect millions of South Africans. For families already stretched to the limit, small reductions in a few items do not ease the daily struggle.
The real issue lies in weak incomes, high living costs, and the steep price of nutritious food. Addressing these challenges requires more than waiting for markets to adjust. Stronger social protection, fair wages, and better access to healthy food are key to ensuring that every household can eat with dignity.
Also Read: Beware the Risks of Buy Now, Pay Later