PNP Patriots President Reverend Paul Blake says rising grocery prices are forcing Jamaicans to carefully calculate what they can afford when shopping.

Blake made the comments on Sunday while addressing the public session of the People’s National Party’s 88th Annual Conference at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.

He said many families now take calculators to supermarkets because of frequent price increases. According to Blake, shoppers check the prices of items before deciding whether they can afford to buy them.

Blake said some Jamaicans have become fearful of supermarket prices. He described people picking up products, checking the cost and then putting them back because the items are too expensive.

Food Insecurity Concerns

Blake also referred to recent United Nations data showing that up to 55 per cent of Jamaicans face food insecurity.

He described food insecurity as situations where families struggle to provide enough food for everyone. He pointed to parents going without food so their families can eat.

Blake also highlighted children who attend school without breakfast and working people who go to work but struggle to afford food for their households.

UN data released this month showed that 28 per cent of Jamaicans experience severe food insecurity. This includes people who go hungry or spend entire days without eating.

The figures were presented during the launch of the 10th International Food Security and Sovereignty Conference at Sandals Dunn’s River.

Dr Cecil Cornwall, head of the Western Hospitality Institute, also spoke about the issue at the conference.

Cornwall said 55 per cent of Jamaicans face uncertainty about having enough food. He said this can include running out of food or skipping meals.

The figures have highlighted the level of food insecurity being reported among Jamaican households.

Blake used the issue to describe the financial pressure some families face when buying basic groceries.

His comments came during the PNP’s annual conference in Westmoreland, where he addressed members and supporters of the party.

The concerns raised at the conference focused on food prices and the ability of families to maintain access to sufficient food.