Food Freedom Day

Food Freedom Day is the day the average Canadian consumer has earned enough income to pay his or her individual grocery bill for the entire year. In 2008, Food Freedom Day happened even earlier – February 3 – because in recent years Canadian disposable income has risen significantly faster than the cost of food.

Statistics Canada estimates that during 2007 the Canadian grocery bill rose only 0.6%. By contrast, Europeans are paying 4.3% more for their groceries, the United Kingdom 5.1% more, and Americans are paying 5.4% more. Within the first three weeks of the year an average consumer has earned enough income to pay the farmer’s share of the annual grocery bill.

Ukraine: World’s Oldest Man Puts it Down to Potatoes

March 30, 2007: The world’s oldest man, who turned 116 on March 15, puts his longevity down to diet of potatoes and healthy outdoor living. Hryhory Nestor from the Ukraine is presumed to be the world’s oldest living man. His passport, based on Austrian documents, says he was born on March 15, 1891. The Ukrainian attributes his long life to healthy outdoor living, and recommends a diet of potatoes, milk and cheese.

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